Trust is the currency of all relationships. It takes years to build and seconds to break. But sometimes, we give credit to people who are frankly, bankrupt.
Navigating relationships requires discernment. It's not about being paranoid; it's about protecting your peace. If you encounter these six types of people, proceed with extreme caution or better yet, turn around and walk away.
1. The Person Who Disguises Insults as Jokes
"Can't you take a joke?" is the calling card of a manipulator.
You can't trust a person who uses humor as a trojan horse for disrespect. They say something cutting, something that targets your insecurities, and when you react, they flip the script. Suddenly, you're "too sensitive" or "killing the mood."
"Real humor laughs with you, not at you. If the punchline is always your dignity, it's not a joke it's an attack."
2. The Person Who Never Takes Accountability
We all make mistakes. Trustworthy people own them. Untrustworthy people outsource the blame.
This type of person is allergic to the phrase "I'm sorry." If they hurt you, they will find a way to make it your fault. You provoked them. You misunderstood them. You made them do it. Living with someone like this is exhausting because you become the permanent scapegoat for their shortcomings.
3. The Person Who Says They Want the Best for You, But Works Against You
This is the "Frenemy."
They smile to your face and congratulate you on your promotion, but then "accidentally" forget to pass on a message that was vital for your big meeting. They claim to support your diet but constantly push cake on you.
Pay attention to the energy they bring to your good news. If your success feels like an inconvenience to them, or if their "help" always results in a hurdle, believe their actions, not their words.
4. The Person Whose Words and Actions Don't Match
Consistency is the foundation of trust.
This person is a master of the future tense: "I will call you," "I will change," "I will be there." But the present tense is always empty. They sell you a dream of who they could be to distract you from who they are.
Stop listening to the apology. Start looking at the leveled behavior. If the actions don't align with the promises, the promises are lies.
5. The Doubt Planter
You can't trust a person who plants seeds of doubt in you, disguised as something else like "concern."
"Are you sure you're qualified for that job? I just don't want you to be disappointed." "He's nice, but do you think he's really your type?"
This subtle sabotage is designed to erode your confidence so that you remain small and more importantly, remain dependent on them / or on their level. They validate themselves by invalidating you.
6. The Saboteur With an Excuse
You can't trust a person who always tries to sabotage you, or make things harder for you but always has an excuse for everything.
They were late to your event because of "traffic" (for the 10th time). They lost your borrowed item because they were "stressed." Weaponized incompetance is real. If chaos follows them, and that chaos always seems to splash onto you, it's not bad luck. It's a pattern of disrespect.
Trust your gut. If someone drains you, confuses you, or belittles you, they don't deserve a seat at your table.
