If you’ve ever been burned by a deceiving character, then you know the sting of misplaced trust. It can be a real emotional rollercoaster.
Trust, after all, is not just handed out freely. It’s earned and often comes with time.
The world of psychology has its own views on who should be trusted and who shouldn’t. It’s not about judgment, but about navigating relationships wisely.
Remember, this isn’t about creating stereotypes or labeling people. It’s about understanding certain behavioural patterns that could lead to heartache.
So let’s dive in. Here’s a quick rundown of eight types of people that psychology suggests might not be the best to place your trust in.
We’ve all told a white lie or two in our lives, but there’s a big difference between that and a chronic pattern of dishonesty.
Chronic liars seem to live in their own fabricated world, where the truth is often twisted or completely ignored.
They might lie about everything from small, insignificant details to major life events.
It’s as if they’re more comfortable with their version of the truth than with reality itself.
This constant dishonesty can be deeply destructive in relationships.
When you can’t trust what someone says, it creates an unstable foundation for any kind of relationship, whether personal or professional.
Psychology points out that chronic lying can often be linked to certain personality disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder.
Not all chronic liars have a personality disorder, but their constant untruths still make them hard to trust.
Trust is built on honesty and authenticity. Without these fundamental cornerstones, it’s impossible to form a secure and healthy relationship.
Steer clear of the chronic liar if you value trust and transparency in your relationships.
At first glance, an over-sharer might seem like the most trustworthy person.
They spill their life story, share their deepest secrets, and rarely hold back. This seemingly open book approach can be deceiving.
The over-sharer often uses their openness as a strategy to gain your trust quickly. They make you feel special, like you’re one of the few people they can really open up to.
But in reality, they might share these personal details with just about anyone who will listen.
This excessive sharing is a red flag because it’s a form of manipulation, whether conscious or not.
It’s a way to get you to lower your guard and share your own secrets or personal information, which they can then use for their own benefit.
Trust is not something that should be established within minutes of meeting someone. It takes time and shared experiences.
If someone is spilling their deepest secrets during your first meeting, be wary.
Who doesn’t like a compliment? It can brighten our day and boost our self-esteem.
But watch out for the flatterer, who uses compliments like a tool to get what they want.
The flatterer showers you with praise, often going overboard with their compliments.
They make you feel good about yourself, and in return, you start to warm up to them, even trust them. But their intentions might not be as genuine as they seem.
This is a common tactic used in manipulative relationships.
The person gives you compliments and attention to win your trust and affection. This makes it easier for them to manipulate you down the line.
In psychology, this is known as “love bombing,” a tactic commonly used by people with narcissistic tendencies. It’s designed to make you feel special and loved so that you lower your defenses.
While genuine compliments are lovely, be cautious around those who overly flatter.
True trust is built over time through authenticity and shared experiences, not just sweet words.
Having a critical eye can be a positive trait in many situations. It can lead to improved processes, better results, and personal growth.
But there’s a difference between constructive criticism and constant negativity.
The constant critic seems to find fault in everything and everyone, often including you.
They may disguise their criticism as ‘just being honest’ or ‘helping you improve’.
Their constant negativity can chip away at your self-esteem and make you second guess yourself.
While it’s important to be open to feedback and growth, it’s equally vital to surround yourself with people who support and encourage you.
Constructive criticism is essential, but it should always come from a place of care and respect.
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
You’re worthy of kindness and respect, just like everyone else. Don’t let the constant critic make you feel any less.
Trust those who lift you up, not those who tear you down.
We’ve all had that one friend who’s around during the good times but disappears when things get tough.
The fair-weather friend is great fun at parties or gatherings, always ready with a joke or a smile.
But when you need a shoulder to lean on or someone to talk to during difficult times, they’re nowhere to be found.
This type of person can be hard to trust because their loyalty and commitment seem conditional.
They’re there for the highs but absent for the lows, which isn’t how real friendship works.
True friends are there for you through thick and thin, in good times and bad.
They offer support when you’re down, celebrate your victories, and are there for the mundane everyday moments too.
It’s these people who show up consistently who are truly worthy of your trust.
Next time you find yourself in a bind, take note of who sticks around. Those are the people worth keeping in your life.
Promises are like the glue that holds relationships together.
They represent a person’s commitment and reliability. But what happens when someone consistently fails to keep their promises?
The promise breaker is someone who routinely makes promises they don’t keep.
They might promise to help you with a project, show up for a meeting, or even just return a borrowed item, but they consistently fall short.
I remember once relying on a friend who promised to help me move apartments.
They assured me repeatedly that they’d be there and I planned the day around their help.
But when moving day came, they never showed up and didn’t even bother to call.
This kind of behavior can erode trust over time. You start to question their reliability and whether you can count on them when it really matters.
Trust is based on actions, not just words. So, be cautious with those who make big promises but fail to follow through.
We all have those days when we need a little extra support or understanding.
But there’s a difference between needing occasional emotional support and constantly draining someone else’s emotional resources.
The emotional vampire is always in crisis mode.
They constantly need your attention, your sympathy, your energy – but rarely give anything back.
Their needs always take center stage, leaving little room for you to express your own feelings or needs.
This one-sided dynamic can be exhausting and can also lead to feelings of resentment or neglect.
It’s not fair to you and it’s certainly not the foundation for a healthy, balanced relationship.
Here’s the harsh truth: you’re not anyone’s emotional punching bag.
You deserve relationships that are reciprocal, where your feelings and needs are valued and respected. Don’t let the emotional vampires suck the life out of you.
Manipulators are masters of deception. They know how to twist situations, play with emotions, and always make themselves look like the victim or hero.
It’s all a game to them, and the prize is getting their way.
They might use guilt trips, gaslighting, or even flattery to sway you.
They’re always one step ahead, making it difficult for you to see their true intentions until it’s too late.
The most important thing to remember is that trust should be based on mutual respect, honesty, and understanding. It’s a two-way street.
Any relationship that leaves you feeling used or confused is not one built on trust.
Keep your eyes open for the manipulator.
They’re a master at their game, but once you know their tactics, you’ll be better equipped to protect yourself and your emotional wellbeing.
Trust yourself and your instincts – they’re usually right.
In the intricate tapestry of human relationships, trust remains one of the most valuable threads.
It’s the foundation upon which genuine connections are built and deepened.
This article is a guide to help you navigate your relationships with wisdom, but ultimately, the choice is yours to make.
Remember, time spent building authentic and trusting relationships is never time wasted.
And true wisdom means having the discernment to know who to trust and who to keep at arm’s length. Don’t let others dictate your boundaries or cloud your judgment.
Here’s to fostering healthier, more fulfilling relationships in your life!
The post 8 types of people you should never trust, according to psychology appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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