These negative people may not be conscious of their impact on others. Here’s how you can tell. You’re with a Debbie Downer friend, and you find a caring and compassionate way to tell her that her energy is bringing you down. And it’s a regular pattern that bothers you. Her response will tell you everything you need to know. If she’s mortified, owns this critique, and is willing to admit that your point of view is valid, you’re not dealing with a vampire. But if she starts to cry and run for the victim role—or gets angry and tells you what’s wrong with you, you have your diagnosis. A normal
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