What is an emotional vampire?

"Emotional vampire is a term for toxic people who deprive us of energy, our sense of emotional safety and our ability to engage in self-care. Being around an emotional vampire can cause us to feel depressed, anxious, frightened, confused and in pain. It can affect our productivity, our ability to focus and our overall mental, physical and emotional well-being. This term is commonly used to describe narcissist and sociopaths who psychologically bleed us dry. It can also be applied to garden-variety toxic people who are self-centered and self-absorbed. Whatever point at the spectrum the emotional vampire falls upon,however, he or she can take a toll on your mental health. Empaths and highly sensitive people might be especially susceptible to being around these types because emotional vampires are drawn to our warmth, our compassion and our bright energy. Emotional vampires feast on these qualities to satiate themselves while leaving you feeling sick and drained." This is by Shadida Arabi Thought Catalog March 29,2018