You Should NEVER Trust Or Respect These 9 People | Stoicism

In a world where every smile hides a thousand thoughts and each handshake holds more than just a greeting the true measure of a person often remains unseen Today, we delve into the subtle dynamics of trust and deception navigating through the complexities of human relationships with a stoic lens the Stoics taught us that while we may not control the actions of others our reaction and understanding can shape the very fabric of our social bonds join me as we explore the unseen forces at play in everyday interactions uncovering the wisdom that can help us lead not just

successful but meaningful lives stay tuned as we dissect these nuances ensuring that by the end you'll walk away better equipped to face the world not just with caution but with enlightened discernment if you appreciate what we're doing here a simple free favour I'll ask from you is to hit the subscribe button also make sure you don't skip any part of the video to fully grasp the essential insights and stories we are about to share let's start this is someone who at first glance seems to understand you better than anyone else they nod at all the

right moments and their empathetic smiles seem tailor made just for you but as time marches on a disturbing pattern emerges you begin to notice that their understanding isn't fueled by genuine care but rather it's a strategic play using your vulnerabilities for their personal gain they are like the chess players of social interactions each move calculated not to help you but to advance their position in your moments of sharing and vulnerability they're not just listening they're collecting information this data isn't stored away to support you instead it's often weaponized used to push you towards decisions and

actions that serve their interests not yours their guise of care is just that a disguise and under this mask is not the ally you thought you had but a strategist to views relationships as tools to be used rather than bonds to be cherished now stoicism teaches us to seek clarity over comfort truth over pleasant illusions Marcus Aurelius advised us to be wary of the impressionable nature of our own minds and the intentions of those around us he would likely counsel us to observe not just what friends say but what they do their actions how they

discuss other friends when they're not around how they handle your secrets and how they respect your boundaries are the true indicators of their character so how do you deal with a manipulative friend? start by setting firm clear boundaries share selectively understanding that not every internal thought needs external validation especially from someone whose motivations are questionable slowly distance yourself from their influence and invest more in relationships that bring positivity and growth real friends enhance your life and inspire you to expand rather than contract they add layers to your existence through support and genuine care not subtract

from it through manipulation and deceit this person seems to have made it their mission to find fault in everything around them every project you undertake every idea you propose every aspect of your personality might never seem good enough for them their feedback often lacking the warmth of constructive criticism feels more like relentless judgement chipping away at your confidence and self esteem with each comment the constant critic often operates under the guise of just being honest or helping you improve but there's a fine line between helpful criticism and discouraging nitpicking their relentless critiques can create a

toxic environment where instead of growing you find yourself guarding every action every word for fear of criticism this constifle creativity and initiative making you doubt your abilities and value Marcus Aurelius once said reject your sense of injury and the injury itself disappears this powerful stoic reminder teaches us not to internalize the harsh words or negative perceptions of others stoicism invites us to consider the source of criticism and to reflect on whether there is truth and value in it if there is something to be Learned use it to your advantage if not let it roll off

you like water off a duck's back to deal with a constant critic it's essential to maintain perspective understand that their criticism says more about their own worldviews insecurities or personal frustrations than it does about your capabilities or worth construct boundaries to protect your mental space you can listen assess and then choose whether to accept or discard their words engage with them from a place of strength acknowledging the feedback without allowing it to diminish your sense of self worth in stoic practice we learn to focus on our own actions and reactions which are within our control

rather than attempting to control the opinions or behaviour of others which are not by applying this principle you can preserve your inner peace and continue your journey of personal growth even in the face of constant criticism at first glance they seem like the most personable individuals you could meet with a wide smile they'll ask about your day and make all the right noises that suggest they care but as you soon might discover their warmth has little depth resembling more a shallow puddle than a welcoming ocean these individuals are the social butterflies gracefully moving from one

group to another never really settling long enough to form deep meaningful connections in the world of these superficially friendly people interactions are often a series of pleasant exchanges that skim the surface of politeness but never dive into the essence of true friendship they might be present at every party and appear in all your social circles but when the chips are down their presence is often as fleeting as their commitment true friendship as we know isn't just about sharing laughs in the sunlight it's about standing together in the storm something these individuals may find too daunting

stoicism teaches us the importance of genuine relationships and the value of a small circle of close friends over a wide network of acquaintances Seneca emphasize the quality of friendships rather than quantity he advocated for relationships where mutual respect and sincerity prevail guiding us to seek friends who mirror our own values and who provide a stable reliable presence in our lives to navigate the realm of the superficially friendly it's crucial to recognise the signs early enjoy their company if you must in those light hearted moments that require nothing more than casual interaction however invest your emotional

energy wisely reserve the depths of your trust and the details of your vulnerabilities for those who have proven themselves in times of both joy and adversity cultivating discernment in your social interactions isn't just wise it's necessary to protect your emotional well being and ensure that your circle remains authentic you know the type they nod in agreement and might even throw in a vague “uh-huh,” but you can tell they're not really with you they're physically present yes but mentally they've checked out to some distant place far from the conversation at hand it's like talking to a

wall that occasionally nods these interactions can be incredibly frustrating because they lack the fundamental essence of communication genuine exchange and understanding relationships be they personal or professional thrive on mutual understanding and active engagement when someone consistently fails to pay attention it sends a clear message what you're saying isn't important to them this behaviour not only stifles the flow of ideas but also erodes the emotional connection that true listening can forge effective communication is a two way street and when it becomes one sided the relationship suffers the stoic practice of present mindedness teaches us to fully

engage with the task at hand for stoics like Marcus Aurelius listening attentively is not just a courtesy it's a duty it's about respecting the person speaking to you by giving them your full attention reflecting the stoic belief in the importance of every human interaction if you find yourself frequently on the other end of an inattentive listener there are a few stoic strategies you might employ first ensure your own communication is clear and engaging sometimes simply asking direct questions can snap the listener out of their reverie and bring them back to the moment if that doesn't

work a gentle call out might be necessary let them know you've noticed their distraction and invite them back into the conversation however if the pattern persists it might be worth considering the value this person adds to your life are they giving you the respect and attention you deserve? if not it may be time to redirect your energy towards relationships where mutual engagement and respect are given freely this type of person can be particularly challenging to deal with because they seem almost blind to the emotional landscapes of others they navigate through life focused solely on their

own needs and goals often at the expense of those around them their conversations may center overwhelmingly on their achievements their problems and their perspectives with little regard for anyone else's in interactions with an empathy lacking individual you might find that your feelings and experiences are consistently dismissed or outright ignored this isn't just about a lack of emotional intelligence it's a fundamental disconnect in recognizing and valuing the humanity in others such individuals often leave a trail of bruised relationships behind them puzzled as to why their interactions are fraught with conflicts and misunderstandings stoicism offers a profound

remedy to this mindset it teaches us the importance of looking beyond ourselves and understanding that the human experience is interconnected stoics like Epictetus emphasize the role of empathy in human ethics he taught that we should listen and respond to others with kindness and understanding recognizing that we are all part of a larger community each with our own struggles and triumphs if you find yourself dealing with someone who lacks empathy stoicism advises not to meet their indifference with anger or resentment instead see this as an opportunity to practice patience and to lead by example show them

empathy not because they necessarily deserve it but because it's the virtuous thing to do however it's also important to set boundaries protecting your emotional well being is crucial and sometimes that means limiting your exposure to those who drain it engaging with an empathy lacking individual requires a balance of compassion and self preservation while you can attempt to model empathetic behaviour you must also recognise when to step back and not allow their self centeredness to impact your peace remember as Marcus Aurelius pointed out what we do now echoes in eternity let your actions reflect your integrity

and compassion even in the face of apathy this is not just about changing them it's about holding true to your values regardless of how others choose to act this person seems to have mastered the art of irritation with their neck for poking and prodding they know exactly how to get under your skin whether it's through subtle digs backhanded compliments or slight provocations they engage in a sort of emotional chess game their goal? to unsettle you to knock you off balance for their amusement or advantage the constant irritator thrives on the reaction they can elicit from

you each annoyed glance each sigh of frustration is a win for them a testament to their ability to manipulate the emotional currents around them this can be incredibly draining as it feels you must constantly guard against their next move always bracing for the small yet persistent annoyances they create however here is where the stoic teachings can become your stronghold stoicism tells us that external events and people's actions don't upset us rather it's our judgments about them that do Marcus Aurelius wrote you have power over your mind not outside events realize this and you will find

strength this wisdom is particularly applicable when dealing with the constant irritator by adjusting your perceptions by deciding that their actions will not dictate your emotional state you empower yourself you take control back from the irritator and place it firmly within yourself practicing this stoic detachment involves recognizing the intent behind their irritations once you see that their behaviour is designed to unbalance you you can choose to not let it affect you imagine their words and actions losing power fading into the background noise of your life it's not about ignoring them or pretending the irritation doesn't exist

but rather about changing your response to it you can acknowledge their attempt to unsettle you without granting them the victory of seeing you perturbed engaging with a constant irritator thus becomes less about confronting each irritation and more about maintaining your inner peace this is the ultimate demonstration of strength not that you never feel irritated but that you can move beyond it preserving your tranquility amidst the storm they try to stir this individual seems to live in a perpetual state of crisis no matter the day the season or the circumstance something is always going terribly wrong

for them but what's particularly challenging about the eternal victim is not just the frequency of their misfortunes it's their apparent unwillingness to do anything about them they seem to thrive on the sympathy and attention their woes attract using their endless stream of problems as a tool to draw others in and keep them close the eternal victims tales of woe can be emotionally draining you might find yourself constantly pulled into their dramas spending energy and time trying to help solve problems that mysteriously never seem to get resolved their dependency on your support might feel rewarding at

first as if your presence truly matters however it often leads to a one sided relationship where your efforts are taken for granted and your own needs and issues are sidelined or ignored stoicism offers a powerful framework for dealing with the eternal victim stoics like Epictetus taught that we should concern ourselves with things within our control and accept those that are not when interacting with an eternal victim it's crucial to recognise the limits of your influence you can offer support and guidance but you cannot change their situation only they can do that the Stoics would advise

us to practice empathy but also detachment empathize with their pain but detach from the notion that you are responsible for fixing their life it's also wise to set boundaries with the eternal victim if their chaos begins to encroach on your peace it may be time to reassess how much of your time and emotional energy you can afford to give helping them doesn't mean getting swept up in their endless cycle of crises instead encourage them to take action and seek solutions rather than merely consoling them this approach not only protects your well being but also pushes

them toward the kind of self reliance and accountability that stoicism values remember while compassion is a virtue it must not come at the cost of your own stability and happiness the Stoics believed in the importance of inner peace and equinimity and maintaining these in the face of another's perpetual chaos is both a challenge and a practice in stoic philosophy in doing so you honor not only your mental and emotional health but also foster a more balanced and healthy relationship with the eternal victim this person masters the art of duplicity being charming and friendly to your

face but turning to slander the moment your back is turned their skill in wearing different masks for different audiences is disconcerting they can make you feel like a confidant one moment and the next you might overhear them undermining you to others it's a bewildering and hurtful experience to realise that someone you thought was a friend could so easily betray your trust the two faced individual not only strains individual relationships but can also create a toxic environment around them their behaviour fosters distrust conflict and insecurity among a group whether it be in a workplace a circle

of friends or within a family their actions are often driven by a desire for personal gain be it power influence or mere amusement at causing disruption stoicism teaches us to focus on our own virtue and integrity and not to be swayed by the deceitful actions of others Seneca advised to choose our company wisely asserting that being alone is better than being in bad company stoicism also prompts us to reflect on our responses to betrayal it's natural to feel hurt and angry when you discover someone's duplicity but stoics would counsel us to rise above these initial

emotional reactions they would urge us to respond with reason and dignity maintaining our own ethical standards and not stooping to their level of deceit in dealing with a two faced individual the most effective strategy is to distance yourself once their true nature is revealed reducing your emotional and personal investment in the relationship protects you from further harm moreover it's important to cultivate relationships with people who value authenticity and transparency surround yourself with individuals who support and uplift you both in your presence and in your absence choosing to interact with genuine people aligns with the stoic

principle of living a life of virtue it not only fosters a healthier emotional environment but also enables you to grow and thrive unaffected by the underhanded tactics of those who choose duplicity over integrity this person is often a complex blend of many negative traits each more damaging than the last they might exhibit behaviours like manipulation constant negativity jealousy or dishonesty being around them can feel like being caught in a storm where your positive outlook and inner peace are constantly under threat their presence in your life can lead to feelings of doubt insecurity and even fear

as they seem to have a knack for souring what should be joyful experiences and turning strengths into perceived weaknesses dealing with a toxic individual is challenging because their influence can seep into various aspects of your life clouding your judgement and affecting your interactions with others they often create an environment where you're always on the defensive always having to shield yourself from their next negative outburst or manipulative tactic this can be exhausting and deeply unsettling challenging your mental and emotional stability Epictetus offers wisdom that is particularly applicable when dealing with toxic people it's not what happens

to you but how you react to it that matters this guidance encourages us to focus on our responses rather than trying to change the toxic individual it reminds us that our power lies in our reactions our decisions and our ability to maintain self control in the face of adversity implementing this stoic approach involves setting firm boundaries with the toxic person clearly define what is not acceptable in their behaviour towards you and be consistent in enforcing these limits it's crucial to protect your space and peace of mind if the toxic behaviour continues despite your efforts it

may be necessary to distance yourself entirely from the individual while this can be a difficult decision especially if the toxic person is a close friend or family member it's sometimes the healthiest choice you can make surround yourself with people who uplift you and encourage your growth cultivate relationships that bring positivity mutual respect and genuine support by doing so you reinforce your resilience against toxicity and foster an environment where you can thrive remember in dealing with a toxic individual the goal isn't just to avoid their negative impact it's to ensure that your life continues to be

driven by your values aspirations and the pursuit of genuine happiness you have the strength and the right to choose an environment and relationships that support your well being and allow you to live your best life and there you have it a guide through the tricky terrains of human interactions remember your peace of mind is precious and whom you choose to trust plays a crucial role in preserving it thank you for joining me today on this journey of self awareness and growth at Stoic Journal don't forget to watch our next video appearing right on your screen

to continue enriching your life with stoic wisdom thank you for being part of our community until next time stay wise and stay serene