Not everyone is going to be happy when you succeed. Some people, for various reasons, actively want to see you fail. These individuals can be found in all areas of your life, from personal relationships to professional settings. Identifying these types of people is crucial to protecting your mental well-being and staying focused on your goals. In this article, we’ll explore 14 types of people who want to see you fail and how to deal with them.
1. The Jealous Friend
You know the one — they smile to your face but secretly hope you’ll fall flat. Jealous friends often feel threatened by your success, thinking that it somehow diminishes their own achievements, Psychology Today explains. They may try to undermine you or downplay your accomplishments. The key is to recognize their behavior for what it is and not let it derail you. Surround yourself with genuine, supportive friends who celebrate your wins and have your back.
2. The Competitive Coworker
In the workplace, there’s often that one coworker who sees you as a rival rather than a teammate. They may try to sabotage your projects, take credit for your ideas, or spread gossip about you. Don’t stoop to their level or get caught up in petty office politics. Focus on doing your best work and building positive relationships with other colleagues. If their behavior becomes a serious issue, don’t hesitate to involve HR or your supervisor.
3. The Toxic Family Member
Sometimes, the people who want to see you fail are the ones closest to you. Toxic family members may resent your success, feeling like it highlights their own shortcomings. They may try to guilt-trip you, criticize your choices, or discourage you from pursuing your dreams. It’s important to set boundaries and limit your exposure to their negativity. Surround yourself with supportive loved ones who have your best interests at heart.
4. The Bitter Ex
Breakups can bring out the worst in people, and bitter exes often take pleasure in seeing their former partners struggle. They may spread rumors about you, try to turn mutual friends against you, or even actively interfere with your life. The best thing you can do is cut off contact and focus on moving forward. Don’t waste your energy trying to win them over or prove them wrong — living well is the best revenge.
5. The Insecure Boss
Some bosses feel threatened by ambitious, high-performing employees. They may worry that you’ll outshine them or even take their job. As a result, they may try to hold you back by denying you opportunities, taking credit for your work, or even sabotaging your efforts. Document your accomplishments and communicate your goals clearly. If the situation doesn’t improve, it may be time to look for a new job with a more supportive manager.
6. The Negative Naysayer
Naysayers are the people who always focus on the worst-case scenario and shoot down your ideas before you even have a chance to try. They may be well-meaning, but their constant negativity can be draining and discouraging. Don’t let their pessimism infect you. Surround yourself with positive, solution-oriented people who believe in your vision and encourage you to take calculated risks.
7. The Fair-Weather Friend
These friends are all too happy to ride your coattails when you’re on top, but disappear the moment you hit a rough patch. They may even secretly relish your struggles, feeling like it levels the playing field. True friends stick by you through thick and thin. They offer support and encouragement when you’re down, and celebrate with you when you bounce back. Cultivate relationships with people who have your back, no matter what.
8. The Gossipy Colleague
Every workplace has that one person who thrives on drama and loves to spread rumors. They may take your confidences and twist them, or even make up stories to make you look bad. Don’t give them ammunition — be careful what you share and with whom. If you find yourself the target of gossip, address it directly and professionally. Most importantly, don’t engage in gossip yourself — it only perpetuates the cycle, Scientific American warns.
9. The Narcissistic Parent
Narcissistic parents often see their children as extensions of themselves, and may feel threatened by their success. They may try to undermine your confidence, belittle your achievements, or even sabotage your efforts. It’s important to establish boundaries and recognize that their behavior is about them, not you. Seek support from other loved ones and consider therapy to help you process your experiences and build healthy relationships.
10. The Cutthroat Competitor
In some industries, competition can be fierce, and some people will stop at nothing to get ahead. Cutthroat competitors may try to steal your clients, undercut your prices, or spread misinformation about your business. Stay focused on providing excellent service and building positive relationships with your customers. Document any unethical behavior and be prepared to defend your reputation if necessary.
11. The Envious Acquaintance
These people may not be close friends, but they still keep tabs on your life and feel threatened by your success. They may make snide comments, downplay your achievements, or even try to one-up you. Don’t get sucked into their games or let their envy affect you. Stay focused on your own path and surround yourself with people who genuinely celebrate your wins.
12. The Resentful Relative
Family dynamics can be complicated, and sometimes relatives feel resentful of your success. They may feel like you’ve surpassed them or that your achievements make them look bad. They may try to guilt-trip you, criticize your choices, or even try to sabotage your efforts. Set clear boundaries and don’t let their resentment dictate your life. Focus on the supportive family members who have your back.
13. The Insecure Influencer
Given how popular social media is, it’s easy to compare yourself to everyone else and feel like you just don’t measure up. Some influencers may feel threatened by your success and try to undermine you online. They may leave negative comments, start drama, or even try to cancel you. Don’t engage with their negativity — focus on creating authentic content that resonates with your audience. Build a supportive community of fellow creators who lift each other up.
14. The Unhappy Hater
Some people are just deeply unhappy and want to bring people down to their level. They may lash out at you online, leave negative reviews of your work, or even harass you in person. Remember that their behavior says more about them than it does about you. Don’t let their negativity get under your skin. Focus on the people who appreciate and support you, and keep pursuing your goals with passion and integrity.
