How do you ward off an “Emotional Vampire”?

This is very difficult for me as I want to save everyone, but I’m finding it increasingly difficult these days. Sometimes I need a break to mentally reset myself, and lately my life just got a little crazier so I just need to focus on me and mine.

I have always dealt with emotional/energy vampires. I think they are drawn to my vibrant friendly energy and my willingness to always have an open non-judgmental ear.But sometimes it can be to much to handle, especially when it is the same issues constantly.

For years, I let it carry on, I think when it most became visible to me was when I noticed I was doing it to others. The constant harping on the same issues that never changed. I decided that I didn’t want to talk about all negative things in my life anymore, I wanted to revoke it’s power over me, so I just stopped sharing.

When I started listening to others, I couldn’t believe how emotionally draining it was. How me, the social butterfly, party princess stopped wanting to socialize and limited my interactions with certain people. Is this how other people felt about me? I hope not, it’s a very heavy, emotionally exhausting unhealthy feeling. I’m sunshine and light, and when I stop wanting to help someone, that means something is wrong.

Why don’t I ever say hey, you’re to much for me to handle right now go fix yourself? Because I’m not rude and probably to kind for my own good. But honestly it boils down to not wanting to further rattle anyone’s mental state. I’m not a therapist and would never want to be responsible for pushing anyone over the edge, some people just need to talk.

The best way I have found for me is just to avoid contact and limit my interactions with them. Just like I do when “soft ghosting” someone. I won’t be the first to reach out anymore, and when we do speak I remember all the reasons why I avoid them. It’s exhausting so I try to set up boundaries without using any words.

Here is a an article on the “6 signs your friend is an Emotional Vampire” and what you can do about it.

At the end of the day, I believe they mean no harm and quite possibly don’t even realize they are doing it, but if even after you have set your boundaries and limited outings they continue to suck up all your energy it might be a good time to reevaluate the friendship/relationship.

What would you do differently and why? Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

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