7 types of people who you should never let back into your life, according to psychology

Not everyone who leaves your life deserves a way back in.

Some people change for the better, but others stay stuck in toxic patterns that can drain your energy, break your confidence, and make life harder than it needs to be.

Psychology shows that certain types of people are more likely to repeat the same harmful behaviors—no matter how many chances you give them.

Setting boundaries isn’t about holding grudges; it’s about protecting your well-being. Here are seven types of people you should never let back into your life, no matter how much they promise they’ve changed.

1) The chronic liar

Honesty is the foundation of any healthy relationship—whether it’s with a friend, family member, or partner. If someone has repeatedly lied to you in the past, there’s a high chance they’ll do it again.

Psychologists say that chronic liars often don’t see anything wrong with their behavior. They may lie to avoid consequences, manipulate situations, or even just out of habit. And no matter how many times you catch them, they always have an excuse.

The problem? You can’t build trust with someone who constantly distorts reality. If they’ve shown you time and time again that they won’t tell the truth, it’s best to walk away—and not look back.

2) The constant critic

I once had a friend who always had something negative to say—about my choices, my goals, even the way I spoke. At first, I told myself they were just trying to help me improve.

But over time, I realized their words weren’t constructive; they were just tearing me down.

Chronic criticism can be a subtle form of emotional abuse. When someone constantly points out your flaws without offering real support, it chips away at your confidence and self-worth. And the worst part? You start believing them.

Looking back, I wish I had cut ties sooner. If someone in your life makes you feel small instead of supported, don’t give them another chance to do it again.

3) The master manipulator

Some people don’t ask for what they want directly—they twist situations, play mind games, or use guilt to get their way. Manipulators are experts at making you question yourself, and before you know it, you’re doing things for them that you never agreed to.

Research has shown that gaslighting, a common manipulation tactic, can cause long-term psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. The longer you’re exposed to someone who distorts reality to control you, the harder it becomes to trust your own judgment.

No one deserves to be treated like a pawn in someone else’s game. If someone has manipulated you before, don’t give them another chance to do it again.

4) The fair-weather friend

Some people are only around when it benefits them. They show up when they need something—attention, favors, support—but disappear the moment you’re the one who needs help.

True friendship is built on mutual care and reliability. One-sided relationships can drain your emotional energy and lower your self-esteem, making you feel like your needs don’t matter. But they do.

5) The one who never apologizes

Some people hurt you, and instead of owning up to it, they act like nothing happened. They might even make you feel guilty for bringing it up, as if you’re the problem for expecting basic respect.

An apology isn’t just words—it’s an acknowledgment that your feelings matter. When someone refuses to say “I’m sorry,” what they’re really saying is that your pain is less important than their pride. And that’s not something you should have to accept.

Forgiveness is powerful, but it’s not the same as letting someone keep hurting you. If they won’t take responsibility for the damage they’ve done, they don’t deserve a place in your life.

6) The energy vampire

Some people drain you every time you’re around them. They complain constantly, thrive on drama, or always seem to be in crisis—but never take steps to change. No matter how much support you offer, it’s never enough.

Psychologists call these people “energy vampires” because they feed off your time and emotional energy without giving anything back. Over time, being around them can leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, or even guilty for wanting space.

You are not responsible for carrying someone else’s emotional baggage. If someone only brings negativity into your life, it’s okay to step away and protect your own peace.

7) The repeat betrayer

Trust is not something that can be broken over and over again without consequences. If someone has betrayed you more than once—whether by lying, cheating, or breaking promises—they’ve already shown you who they are.

Psychology tells us that patterns of betrayal are rarely isolated incidents. People who repeatedly break trust often do so because they assume they’ll always be forgiven. And the more chances you give them, the less they respect you.

A mistake can be forgiven. A choice, made again and again, cannot.

Bottom line: Protecting your peace is a choice

Human relationships shape our emotions, behaviors, and even our self-worth. But not all connections are worth holding onto.

Psychologists have long studied the effects of toxic relationships, and the research is clear—being around the wrong people can increase stress, lower self-esteem, and even impact physical health.

The brain processes social rejection and emotional pain in the same regions that register physical pain, meaning that keeping harmful people in your life can take a real toll.

Letting go isn’t about being unforgiving; it’s about recognizing patterns and choosing not to repeat them. The people you allow into your life influence your happiness, your confidence, and your future. Choose wisely.