They are all around us. They look like us, talk like us, and dress like us. They are at our jobs, schools, even our churches. The are our family members and sometimes our friends. They blend in and are often hard to spot. But, there are signs.
- They always have something to complain about
- They always have a reason for not attempting to change negative situations
- They constantly need support but never offer it
- If you have a problem they always have a bigger one
- If you have a goal they are quick to point out the obstacles in your path
- They discourage others from pursuing goals, taking chances, or making change
- They often talk more than they listen during conversations
- Even when they ask your advice they don’t take it and have a reason they know it won’t work
- They are very critical and quick to judge others
- They are overly concerned with things like clothing, status, and gossip
- They are not trustworthy or consistent
- They are more than willing to promote themselves at the expense of others (even those they call a friend)
- They do not keep their word
- They are pessimistic and quick to see the negative in every situation
- They’d get an Oscar for playing the Victim
- They often go by the names Hater, Backstabber , Two Faced of Fake
- The most important Sign, You Always Feel Worse (tired, down, drained or stressed) after spending time with them.
BEWARE THE JOY THIEF!!!! They are everywhere. Learn to spot them and avoid them. Their condition is contagious and you can become infected.
How do you avoid and/or deal with Joy Thieves???
Read More about Joy Thieves:
(Visited 1,373 times, 1 visits today)
tanie kredyty gotówkowe says
Thank’s great post.
Goody says
I don't suffer fools long, so I don't have a problem with joy thieves…it's like girl/boy naw…
Christine St Vil says
Girl…I am QUICK to get rid of the joy thief. Ain't nobody got time for all of that! When you surround yourself by this type of negativity, it ultimately has a negative affect on you and what you're trying to do.
Nicole M Williams says
Greta post. I try to stay away from the joy thieves.
Valerie Robinson says
Whew! I know too many people like the, and had to cut them back! Nobody has time for a pity party!
Jonna, Naturally Glam LLC says
I avoid Joy Stealers like the Plague. Won't let you steal my joy – there's enough stress in the world already.
Crystal Starkes says
Whew! I needed this! I've had my share of joy thieves, but I try not to let them get to me. I just ignore them for the most part and keep on moving.
Mirror Watching-GinaB says
Girl you put the Joy Theif on blast!!! If it was hanging around it is definitely gone now. Thank you for exposing it.
Mimicutelips says
I certainly know these people. Over the years as I've matured I can better identify these types. I've done a great job of weeding those people out of my life.
Apryl REAL TEXAS HOUSEWIFE Gunn-Sherrod says
Unfortunately I know a few that fit the bill. I have made an effort to distance myself from them. To love them from afar because frankly, I don't need the negativity in my life. I chose JOY!
Christina Aliperti says
I have encountered many joy thieves through the years. At one point, I let them steal my joy, but now I know better. I don't let anyone do that anymore.
Holly says
This is very true. I keep so much to myself because people can be blah
Brandy Tanner says
There are many who will try to steal your joy, I don't think they mean to, they are just pessimistic and have not found their own piece of happy. I always tell people they can be downers to me, negative but they won't steal my happiness or break me! Worked too hard to be positive!
DeDa Studios says
Cute post – I know a few Joy Thieves….they seem to pop up everywhere!
mail4rosey says
Oh man. Some people I won't even tell my goals too……. .because I just know! 🙂
Dinner then Dessert says
There's a lot of people in this world whose negative outlook drags down everyone around them! Thanks for staying vigilant!
MELISASource says
I totally love this! optimism can go a very long way!
Chrystal Mahan says
I have a few Joy thieves in my life and with my own mental and physical issues, they can be just too much for me to bear sometimes. I really want to make my life better, but I really think they purposely try to keep me off the good path.
Crystal says
I hate it when people rain on my parade. It's good to have a list of what to look out for so we can politely avoid joy thieves.
Tracey says
This is a great post. I had a mega joy thief in my life but I got rid of her. Best decision I ever made.
Ann B says
This is so true. I have had to let go of some friends that were always so negative. I need to have positive people around me.
debdenny says
There will always be those who try to sap your happiness. Best to move on.
Marcie W. says
I sometimes think I am my own joy thief. I have a quick temper and have been making it a point to keep my joy each day by letting more things go and relaxing.
Six Time Mommy TEST says
This is great. I know quite a few joy theifs and cutting them out of my life made all the difference. Good riddance. – jeanine
Donna says
I know a few joy thieves myself. It is hard to handle sometimes.
Theresa Mahoney says
I cut those Joy Thieves out of my life a long time ago. Life is too short to be surrounded by people who zap the joy right out of life.
Liz Mays says
Joy thieves are definitely all over the place! I'm definitely recognizing these personality traits! Not fun at all!
Masshole Mommy says
I have someone in my life who can find something negative in ANY situation. I don't know how she does it sometimes, but it;s a real bummer.
jaime says
I was on a trip with a joy thief recently. It left me with so much anxiety (and now I really know what to look for! I'll avoid joy thieves at all costs.)
Catherine Sargent says
What a great post. If I run into a joy thief I just try not to deal with them again.
MJ L. commenting for Mommyhastowork says
Sounds like a lot of people I know, haha!! Great post!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is a fantastic post. There are so many things in life that can steal your joy. You have to make sure you keep your joy alive.
Anonymous says
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
my web page :: natural supplement
Anonymous says
If some one wants to be updated with newest technologies after that he must be go to see this web site and be up to date every
day.
My homepage … help quit smoking
Anonymous says
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Safari.
I'm not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I'd post to let you
know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon.
Cheers
my web page shopping online
Sarah Williamson says
I love this post, because it's so true. What's worse is that it can be so hard to differentiate Joy Thieves from loved ones. Oftentimes they're one and the same.
-Sarah
http://www.sweetandsavorylife.com
http://www.facebook.com/sweetandsavorylife
Ismail Alparslan says
Asunto Turkista
Asunto Turkista
Huvilat Turkista
Kiinteistöt Turkista
Koti Turkista
Asunto Alanyasta
immobilien Türkei
immobilien Alanya
Türkei immobilien
villa Türkei
immobilienfirmen türkei
Недвижимость в Турции
купить квартиру в турции
турция алания недвижимость
Квартиры в Турции
Квартиры Турции
Виллы в Турции
земля турции
недвижимость в турции алания махмутлар
Квартиры в Махмутларe
недвижимость в турции алания махмутлар
апартаменты в турции
земли в Турции
makelaars Turkije
appartementen turkije
koopwoningen turkije
leilighet Tyrkia
Bostad Turkiet
Tyrkiet Lejligheder
Tyrkiet Ejendomsmægler
alanya da daire
apartments in turkey
apartments in Avsallar
apartments in turkey
villas in Turkey
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories says
Stopping by from SITS, ain't this the truth. Great reminders to avoid these thieves and chase joy in the other direction!
Lynne says
DEEP. I am trying t either avoid this people, r see the good in them. And I am trying not to be one myself :).
Stefanie says
Energy Vampires…that's what I've always called them. I don't remember who first gave them that name, but it's so true. The longer you're around them the more life they suck out of you.
ON the other hand, its soooo nice to meet someone who is "chasing joy". What a great reminder of what we should and need to be focusing on. Thanks 🙂
Oh…and happy SITS day!
Classic NYer says
I so hear you!
There's no way to avoid them. They're like the hydra. Kill one and two more grow.
I try to defer them, though, by calling them out silently. Once you've called a hater by his/her name, you drain him/her of his/her power.
Lyndylou says
Oh so so true. I have met a few of them in my time but have thankfully got rid of them before they infiltrated my life too much 🙂 Happy SITS day.
The Liebers says
I know a few of these. I mostly blocked them on facebook and try to stay away from them in real life.
Chris Carter says
Ah yes….those joy thieves are everywhere!!! It's important to not let them rob you of your joy!! Great piece! Visiting from SITS!!!
Ashley Ellis says
True! I've been working really hard lately to eliminate joy thieves from my life. It's too exhausting.
The Redhead Baker says
Great list! Definitely need to reevaluate some relationships in my life. Happy SITS Day!
The Sweet Spot Blog says
I learned in my 30's to walk away from these people. Now in my 40's, I can spot them from a mile away. I am so much happier now that I am not dragging around their dead weight. Stopping by from SITS.
Sadie Ussery says
Love this post! So full of truth! Enjoy your SITS day!
Sheila Skillingstead says
Wow! Such a definitive and complete list. Thanks for the post. Draining is a great description of people like that. Enjoy your SITS Day.
misssrobin says
I've had to cut a few people like that out of my life. It was just too draining. Unfortunately, my mother is one now. I can't just cut her out of my life. But I can limit the time I spend with her and make sure I'm taking care of myself. So that's what I do.
Great post!
Kathy Penney says
You are so right. I have actually had to end a few friendships because of Joy Thieves. Good or bad, you usually rise to meet who you surround yourself with. Happy SITS day!
Organized Island says
I work with a joy thief everyday! Talk about cranky! I feel for then because they really are missing out on a happier life! Great post & Happy SITS Day!
Jenny Yarbrough says
This is great! The question also is, whose joy am I stealing? I can remember specifically in high school one day when my friend said to me, "You are always complaining!" It hit me like she had slapped me in the face b/c I didn't even know that I was, but I have never forgotten that. I have always been aware of it. It's so important to not be a joy stealer and to stay away from those who are. Prayer sure helps!
Stopping by from SITS today! Happy SITS day!!
Monicas Mom Musings says
I know someone like that. Got rid of her a long time ago ;).
Happy SITS day!
Kelly Stilwell says
Though I try to encourage people when they are down, there are those that, no mater what you say, will complain. I try to steer clear of those people! Thanks for the great reminder!
Suzanne says
How do you know my grandmother? Haha. That list fits her very closely. We've all learned to not let her bring us down. Great list. I may have to send it to a few people I know who have these negative folks in their lives. Happy SITS day!
Emily @ TheBusyMomsDiet says
Amen! I had so many joy thieves in my old job, I had to start working at another location further away, but much happier! Happy SITS Day!
Ugochi says
The last point sums it all for me. Anyone who drains me is not for keeps. Great list, congratulations on being featured on SITS!
Enjoy and have a super blessed day!
Love
http://www.ugochi-jolomi.com/
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady says
Great list! I don't fool with them, cordial greetings and that's it! Happy SITS day!
Anonymous says
Usually I don't read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.
My homepage acne naturally overnight
Anonymous says
I couldn't refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!
Also see my webpage :: acne scars
Anonymous says
It's a pity you don't have a donate button! I'd without a doubt donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i'll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook
group. Talk soon!
My web blog – amphora tobacco
Anonymous says
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in
accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog
posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
Feel free to surf my site : http://www.yourtobaccosstore.com/8-mac-baren
Anonymous says
Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea
shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She
put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off
topic but I had to tell someone!
my website :: van nelle
Anonymous says
Highly energetic article, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?
My website – Cheap villas for sale in Bodrum
Anonymous says
Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it
😉 I will return once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom
is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
Also visit my website ; Wohnungen kaufen Antalya
Anonymous says
Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it ;
) I'm going to return yet again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
my website – Asuntoja alanyasta
Anonymous says
Your way of explaining everything in this piece of writing is really good, every one
be capable of effortlessly be aware of it, Thanks
a lot.
My web page : http://immobilienalanya.net
Anonymous says
Attractive component to content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to claim that I get actually loved account your blog posts.
Anyway I'll be subscribing for your augment and even I success you get right of entry to consistently fast.
Check out my web-site … http://bostaditurkiet.net/fastigheter-alanya
Janeane Davis says
I am not ashamed to say I use my children. When I encounter a joy thief I always have to go and do something for or with my children. In 13 years I will have to come up with a new excuse, but I am good until then.
Lisa says
I like that name Toxic Folk as Bella named them – I try to avoid them as much as possible to stay positive. It's not always easy when you are surrounded!
Webly says
great post. I learned to trust my gut, God and be the best that I can. If I am getting advice from someone I want to make sure that the person practices what he/she preaches. If my drama antenna goes up, I run like Forest Gump
Debora says
Great post and so true. Optimism and seeing opportunity instead of obstacles gets you so much further in life! 🙂
Glad I stopped over from the Lady Blogger tea party! Have a great day.
Yenta Mary says
How do I avoid/deal with the Joy Thief??? I broke up with him in April … 🙂 Visiting and following from the Tea Party ….
Anonymous says
Thanks for stopping by to Chase Joy with me Bella, and Snowwhite. Glad you could relate to my list. Steer clear of the Joy Thieves in your life. 🙂 ~ Chasing Joy
snowwhite2056 says
Good list. I especially find the 'Victim' trait particularly trying.
Popping in from the tea party!
Bella says
And ain't that the truth! Great post I call them the "toxic folk" mainly because they drain you of your energy and are full of toxicity! Sadly, family members are and can be toxic folks. I loved the "If you have a problem, they have a bigger one!" Popping over from the LBS.