We've all got that friend. The person who no matter the situation will always find a way to turn it around to be about them instead of you.
The symptoms manifest themselves differently, but the common denominator is self-absorption. Sadly, family members are also guilty.
We also all have our days, when we're a less than perfect friend ourselves. Recognize any of these folks?
1. The Whiner.
There's always a problem, and it's always happening to her. Nobody knows the troubles she's seen, but you better believe you're gonna hear about it. If your mother is dying but her cat is sick, guess who's going to monopolize the conversation?
Whining is usually a bid for attention from somebody who doesn't know how to get it any other way. Next time she starts, say, "I'd rather hear what's going right with your life."
2. The Leech.
He invites you over for "a few beers," and when you get there, you find yourself refinishing his deck. She asks you what you're doing tomorrow and when you say, "Nothing," she says, "Great, I need somebody to watch my kids." They can't (or won't) handle their own lives, so they parcel off portions of it to everyone else.
The answer: Say "no" early and often. They'll either quit asking so much, or they'll drop you, and you'll know they prefer servants instead of friends.
3. The Yakker.
Thank God for caller ID. These people missed their calling as carnival barkers. Are they a friend or a walking monologue looking for a place to land? Full disclosure, that this is my vice. Well OK, my worst vice amongst my many, so I understand the background on this one.
The Yakker's biggest challenge is that they process their thoughts out loud. They can't think unless they're talking.
The most effective strategy is to interrupt. It might seem rude, but Yakkers often assume that talking over people is a natural conversation style. I come from a family of over talkers myself. Before I became more aware, I often found myself wondering why other people weren't jumping in, only to find out later that they were annoyed at me for not giving them the chance.
4. The Adviser
Whether they're trying to prove how smart they are or start their own counseling business, this friend has the answer for everything.
Lots of nodding and murmurs of "I'll think about it" are an easy out. But if he or she is really getting under your skin, try saying, "You know, there are times when I just want your support instead of your advice." Try to smile while you're saying it, and they might not hit you.
5. The Bragger.
Been there, done that, and done it way better than you. When they're not talking about their kids or career, they're describing their tennis game and vacation.
Overachievers often believe that they're the sum of their accomplishments. What they really want is kudos, so just give it to them. Fawn on about their happenings. When you're ready for them to shut up, say, "Let's talk about the meaning of life because I'm sure there's more to you than just your surface accomplishments."
Life is too short to have -- or to be -- a bad friend. If you see yourself in any of these, it's not too late to change. And if these remind you of someone you know, you might want to consider an intervention.
Lisa Earle McLeod is a sales leadership consultant. Companies like Apple, Kimberly-Clark and Pfizer hire her to help them create passionate, purpose-driven sales forces.
She is the author of several books including Selling with Noble Purpose: How to Drive Revenue and Do Work That Makes You Proud, a Wiley publication. She has appeared on The Today Show, and has been featured in Forbes, Fortune and The Wall Street Journal. She provides executive coaching sessions, strategy workshops, and keynote speeches.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Sign up for Peacock to stream NBCU shows.