Energy Vampires

Energy vampires are people who drain your energy and motivation through negative attitudes or behavior.

We all have Energy Vampires in our lives. They are everywhere, in all cultures, races and genders, and all walks of life. They are the people you go out of your way to avoid because they consistently make you feel drained or overwhelmed.

Energy Vampires can be people close to you—friends, family, husband, wife, life partner, relatives—or people who are a part of your daily life—neighbors, business clients, people at work, or colleagues. If you’re in an abusive or toxic relationship, then you are living front and center with an Energy Vampire.

Although they do not have fangs, Energy Vampires are easily recognized. You will notice them because after you talk with them, you will feel like something has latched onto your heart and mind and drained you of your energy—perhaps even making you feel depressed, angry, resentful, or frustrated.

However, they disguise themselves, Energy Vampires are disconnected from their inner supply of positive emotional energy, and so they drain the life out of other people by their negative attitudes toward life.

Just as Hollywood Vampires are on an endless pursuit to find their next victim and suck their blood, Energy Vampires live on the energy of others so that they do not feel alone. They are perpetually looking outside of themselves for emotional sustenance and validation—feeding off the energy and happiness of others for their survival. They need energy from other people just as much as they need oxygen.

Energy Vampires are underdeveloped emotionally, which they mask through coping skills that ensure that they will “get” the energy and attention they want, even if they have to take it, lie to get it, or demand it. They will do it at all costs because they feel empty on the inside. Although a person can have countless energy-sucking qualities, here are five general types of Energy Vampires you will want to recognize and avoid.