We all know that the people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our lives. They can either lift us up or bring us down, and oftentimes, we aren’t even aware of the influence they have on us.
As a psychologist, I can tell you there are clear signs that you’re hanging out with the wrong crowd. Signs that these individuals may be low-quality people, subtly dragging you down.
In this article, I’ll be sharing seven distinct signs that suggest you might be surrounding yourself with the wrong kind of people.
This isn’t a call for judgment but rather an invitation to be more aware of who you let in your personal space. Trust me, it can make all the difference.
1) They constantly criticize you
We all need constructive criticism in our lives. It helps us grow and improve. However, there’s a significant difference between helpful, constructive feedback and constant, negative criticism.
Low-quality individuals often have a knack for picking apart everything you do. They seem to thrive on pointing out your flaws and mistakes, rarely acknowledging your successes or positive qualities.
This kind of relentless negativity can be incredibly draining and damaging to your self-esteem. It’s like being stuck in a vicious cycle where you’re always the one at fault.
Healthy relationships involve encouragement and support, not constant put-downs. So if you find yourself constantly on the receiving end of criticism, it might be time to reevaluate your circle.
2) They drain your energy
Ever hung out with someone and felt emotionally and mentally drained afterward? I’ve been there too. In psychology, we call this type of person an “energy vampire“.
A few years back, I had a friend who would constantly unload her problems on me. Every conversation revolved around her struggles, her issues, her life.
At first, I wanted to be a good friend, a shoulder to lean on. But over time, I realized our interactions were leaving me feeling drained and downcast.
My own problems were sidelined, and I was left feeling stressed and overwhelmed by hers.
People who constantly take without giving back in any form can create a toxic environment. It’s essential to surround yourself with people who reciprocate energy and make you feel uplifted, not drained.
3) They’re never happy for your success
Genuine friends celebrate each other’s achievements. It’s a shared joy, a reminder that success doesn’t have to be a competition.
But low-quality people? They struggle to be happy for others, especially when someone else’s success reminds them of their own unfulfilled goals.
Instead of clapping for you, they might downplay your achievements, change the subject, or make passive-aggressive remarks like, “Must be nice to have that kind of luck.”
This behavior isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Maybe they suddenly go quiet when you share good news or offer half-hearted congratulations that feel forced.
It’s not just jealousy — it’s insecurity.
People who are unhappy with their own progress often view someone else’s success as a threat, not inspiration.
Instead of seeing your win as proof that success is possible for everyone, they see it as a reminder of what they haven’t achieved.
In contrast, true friends don’t keep score. They lift you up, hype you up, and celebrate with you like it’s their own win.
If you notice that someone always finds a way to dim your shine, it’s a sign that they’re more focused on their ego than your friendship. People who can’t be happy for you don’t deserve a front-row seat in your life.
4) They’re dishonest and untrustworthy
Trust is the bedrock of any healthy relationship. Without it, it’s hard to build a solid foundation. If you find that someone in your circle is consistently dishonest or can’t be trusted, that’s obviously a huge red flag.
Trust isn’t just about the “big lies” either — it’s about the little things too. Broken promises, half-truths, and sneaky behavior are all signs that someone doesn’t respect you or the relationship.
Dishonesty comes in many forms. Maybe they say one thing and do another. Maybe they “forget” to mention important details or twist the truth when it suits them.
Over time, these small betrayals add up, leaving you feeling uneasy and questioning everything they say.
That’s not the kind of energy you want in your life. Trust isn’t something you should constantly have to “check in on.” It should be a given in any high-quality relationship.
In my experience as a psychologist, trust is like a mirror — once it’s shattered, you can piece it back together, but the cracks will always be visible.
That’s why surrounding yourself with honest, reliable people is so important. They provide stability, security, and peace of mind.
5) They’re all take and no give
Another thing to remember is that balance is key in every relationship. A good friendship, for instance, isn’t about keeping score but about a shared sense of give-and-take.
I remember a time in my life when I had a friend who possessed an unending list of needs and wants. I was always there, ready to lend a hand or an ear.
But when the tables turned, and I found myself in need, they were nowhere to be found.
It was a harsh lesson, but it taught me that relationships should never be one-sided.
If you find you are always the one giving—your time, your energy, your resources—and receiving nothing in return, it might be a sign that you’re surrounded by low-quality individuals.
6) They make you feel bad about yourself
Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling smaller than you did before it started? It’s a subtle but unmistakable feeling — like someone just planted a seed of doubt in your mind.
If this happens often with a particular person, it’s a clear sign that they’re not good for your mental well-being.
People who make you feel bad about yourself don’t always do it openly. Sometimes, it’s disguised as “just a joke” or framed as “constructive criticism.” But if it’s leaving you feeling worse, it’s neither of those things.
You’ll notice it in the small remarks that stick with you. Maybe they say things like, “I could never pull off that look, but good for you.” Or they question your choices with subtle jabs like, “Are you sure that’s the right move?”
On the surface, it might seem harmless, but deep down, you know it’s meant to poke at your confidence. Eventually, these comments can erode your self-esteem, making you feel like you’re always one misstep away from judgment.
Look, real friends don’t play those kinds of mind games. They celebrate your wins, support your choices, and remind you of your strengths, even when you can’t see them yourself.
Respect and support should be the bare minimum in any relationship — not something you have to beg for.
7) They don’t respect your boundaries
Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect, and that includes respecting each other’s boundaries.
Unfortunately, low-quality people see boundaries as obstacles to get around, not limits to be honored.
They’ll push, guilt-trip, or flat-out ignore your requests, making you feel like the problem for wanting a little space, time, or privacy.
It might look like them dismissing your “no” as negotiable, showing up uninvited, or expecting constant access to your time and energy.
Maybe you’ve told them you need space to focus on work, but they keep interrupting. Or perhaps you’ve expressed your emotional limits, only for them to double down on their demands.
Over time, their disregard for your boundaries starts to feel exhausting — and that’s because it is.
True friends and quality people don’t just respect your boundaries — they encourage them. They understand that boundaries aren’t about pushing people away; they’re about protecting your peace.
If you’re constantly having to explain, re-explain, and defend your boundaries with someone, that’s a clear sign they’re not respecting you as a person.
And if someone can’t respect your boundaries, they don’t deserve a spot in your life.
The takeaway: It’s about respect and self-worth
They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with — and if that’s true, it’s worth asking: Who’s in your circle?
As this article has shown you, the people around you have a bigger influence on your mindset, choices, and success than you might think.
So if you’re serious about growth, happiness, and success, you need to be just as mindful about your relationships as you are about your goals.
If any of these signs hit a little too close to home, it might be time to set some boundaries, have honest conversations, or even walk away from certain connections.
Your energy, peace, and self-respect are too valuable to be spent on people who don’t appreciate them. Choose your circle wisely — because the right people will never make you question your worth.
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