Some people have such off-putting personalities, even a basic conversation with them becomes a chore.
What’s worse, they don’t even seem to care that they’re rude, difficult, and generally not a very nice person. Calling them out on it is unlikely to change anything, so in the meantime, you just have to suffer the nightmare of being in their company, however often that happens. Here are some of the qualities they likely have that make them so exhausting and infuriating to be around.
1. They’re constantly negative.
Everyone has bad days, but people who are perpetually negative bring down everyone around them. They complain about everything, find fault in every situation, and never seem to appreciate the good in life. This attitude can make even the most cheerful people feel drained and frustrated.
2. They dominate every conversation.
Nightmare people often turn every discussion into a monologue about themselves. They interrupt everyone, ignore opposing viewpoints, and steer every topic back to their own experiences. Being around someone who never listens or shows genuine interest in other people is exhausting and alienating.
3. They thrive on drama.
People who create or perpetuate unnecessary drama are emotionally exhausting to deal with. Whether it’s stirring up conflicts, gossiping, or overreacting to minor issues, their constant need for chaos makes relationships with them feel unstable and stressful.
4. They’re unapologetically rude.
Rudeness—whether it’s dismissive comments, talking over people, or ignoring basic social etiquette—makes someone incredibly unpleasant to be around. Respect and kindness go a long way, and a lack of either shows a fundamental disregard for other people’s feelings.
5. They play the victim constantly.
While everyone faces challenges, some people frame themselves as perpetual victims, never taking responsibility for their actions or circumstances. Their terrible attitude can make people feel manipulated or burdened by the constant need to provide support and validation.
6. They’re always critical of everyone.
Excessive criticism, especially when it’s unwarranted, can make people feel judged and uncomfortable. Someone who constantly points out flaws in other people without offering constructive feedback creates a toxic environment. Kindness and encouragement are far more effective than relentless critique.
7. They’re overly controlling.
People who insist on having everything their way, from trivial matters to major decisions, are difficult to deal with. Their deep-rooted need for control leaves no room for compromise or collaboration, making relationships with them feel stifling and one-sided.
8. They’re unreliable.
Flaky people who consistently break promises, cancel plans at the last minute, or fail to follow through on commitments are incredibly frustrating. Their unreliability shows a lack of respect for other people’s time and creates unnecessary stress in relationships.
9. They don’t respect boundaries.
Someone who ignores or dismisses personal boundaries, whether it’s emotional, physical, or mental, is exhausting to deal with. Their lack of consideration forces people to constantly enforce their limits, which can feel draining and intrusive over time.
10. They make everything a competition.
Instead of celebrating other people’s successes, competitive people constantly try to one-up everyone around them. That behaviour can make people feel undervalued and frustrated, turning even positive interactions into uncomfortable comparisons.
11. They’re chronically dishonest.
Lying, exaggerating, or withholding the truth destroys trust and makes people feel uneasy. Being around someone whose words you can’t rely on creates a tense and uncomfortable dynamic, as you’re never sure what’s real or fake.
12. They take everything personally.
Hyper-sensitive people who view every comment or action as a slight against them are challenging to be around. Their defensiveness makes open communication difficult, as people feel like they’re constantly walking on eggshells to avoid triggering a negative reaction.
13. They never take accountability.
Blaming everyone else but themselves for their mistakes or refusing to acknowledge when they’re wrong makes people a nightmare to interact with. Accountability is essential for building trust, and a lack of it leads to frustration and resentment in relationships.
14. They’re emotionally manipulative.
Whether it’s guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or using emotions to control people, manipulation is one of the most toxic behaviours. Emotionally manipulative people leave people feeling drained and confused, creating an unhealthy and unsustainable dynamic.
15. They’re excessively self-absorbed.
While confidence is admirable, self-absorption is alienating. People who constantly talk about themselves, dismiss other people’s perspectives, and show no empathy for anyone else’s struggles are nearly impossible to connect with. Healthy relationships require mutual respect and understanding, which self-absorbed people rarely offer.
