Why You Attract Broken People (And How To Stop)

You have so much love to give and you just want people in your life who are willing to give as much as they take. However, for some reason, you always seem to attract broken people and you just can’t figure out why. While there’s nothing wrong with you, per se, and you’re not doing anything wrong, there are reasons these people are drawn to you. Here are a few possibilities.

1. You’re a Natural Caregiver.

woman being comforted by her mother

You have a tendency to put everyone else’s needs before your own, and you’re all about offering a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand. This is really lovely, but it can attract people who are looking for someone to fix their problems. To change this, start by setting boundaries and prioritizing your own mental and emotional well-being. Recognize that while helping is good, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own sanity.

2. You Have a Fixer Mentality.

Maybe you find yourself drawn to the idea of helping people because it gives a sense of purpose and achievement. Of course, this can lead to a cycle of attracting broken people who need “fixing.” To break this pattern, focus on nurturing relationships where both people are equally supportive and independent. After all, everyone is responsible for their own healing and growth. It’s not your job! (BTW, if you’re always attracting people like this and getting into negative relationship patterns, you need our sister site, Sweetn. They’ll change your love life in just a few weeks!)

3. You’re Empathetic to a Fault.

Your intense level of empathy makes you sensitive to other people’s feelings, but that means that you’re often absorbing their pain as your own like some kind of emotional sponge. This empathy ends up attracting broken people who are looking for understanding and compassion. While empathy is a valuable trait, you also have to protect your emotional space. Learn to offer support without getting emotionally overwhelmed or over-involved in their issues.

4. You’re scared of Being Alone.

Sometimes the fear of being alone can lead you to form attachments with anyone who shows interest and you end up ignoring red flags. This fear can attract broken people who might take advantage of your vulnerability. To avoid this, embrace solitude and work on building your self-confidence. A relationship should complement your life, not be a means to escape loneliness.

5. You Have Unresolved Issues.

A sad young man in the living room. He suffers from depression

I know, who doesn’t, right? However, your own unresolved trauma or baggage can unknowingly attract broken people who mirror these issues. It’s a subconscious way of trying to fix parts of yourself through other people. To change this dynamic, engage in self-reflection and possibly seek professional help to address and heal your own emotional wounds.

6. You’re Way Too Accommodating.

Woman apologizes to her friend after fight

You might ignore your own needs and boundaries in the process of trying to please other people, which is never a good thing. To stop this pattern, practice assertiveness and learn to say no. It’s essential to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in all relationships.

7. You Value Deep Connections.

Young man having a problem. Girlfriend comforting her sad boyfriend.

Your love for deep and meaningful connections can sometimes lead you to overlook the practicalities of a relationship. This desire for depth makes you an ideal target for broken people who crave emotional intensity. To balance this, seek relationships that offer stability and healthiness, not just emotional depth. Look for partners who are not just emotionally available but also emotionally healthy.

8. You Have a History of Trauma.

Having experienced trauma in the past might make you more understanding and accepting of other people with similar experiences. This shared understanding, however, can attract broken people who are drawn to your empathy. Healing your own trauma is crucial in changing this pattern. Working through your past experiences can help you attract healthier relationships.

9. You’re Optimistic About Change.

While believing in someone’s potential is positive, it can lead you to stay in unhealthy dynamics, hoping that things will eventually change. Recognize that while people can change, it’s not your responsibility to change them. Instead, look for partners who are actively working on their own growth.

10. You Lack Clear Relationship Goals.

Without clear relationship goals, you might find yourself in situations that don’t align with what you truly want. This lack of direction can attract broken people who also lack clarity in their lives. Set clear intentions for what you want in a relationship and stay true to these goals.

11. You’re Known for Your Patience.

Broken people often seek out those who will tolerate their issues for extended periods of time rather than walking away. To avoid this, set limits on what you’re willing to tolerate. Remember, patience is important, but it definitely should never lead to enduring unhealthy behavior.

12. You Have a Low Sense of Self-Worth.

A low sense of self-worth can sometimes attract broken people who reinforce your negative self-perception. This can lead to a cycle of unhealthy relationships. Focus on building your self-esteem and recognizing your own value. Strong self-worth will naturally attract healthier relationships.

13. You’re a Peacemaker.

Being a peacemaker is a wonderful trait, but it can sometimes attract people who bring drama and conflict. Your desire to create harmony can make you a target for those who thrive on chaos. Learn to distinguish between being a peacemaker and being drawn into unnecessary drama.

14. You Believe in the Good in Everyone.

Happy, smile and young man in a studio with positive, good and confident attitude for small business. Happiness, pride and male person from Canada with entrepreneurship mindset in a modern office.

Believing in the inherent good in people is a beautiful outlook, but it can make you naive to the faults in others. This belief can attract broken people who might take advantage of your positivity. Practice balanced judgment in assessing people’s characters and intentions. It’s good to see the best in people, but also important to be realistic about their flaws.

Hope you found this helpful. Give it a like and follow Bolde on MSN for more!

Sinead Cafferty is a writer who has authored four collections of poetry: "Dust Settling" (2012); "The Space Between" (2014); "Under, Under, Over" (2016); and "What You Can't Have" (2020). She's currently working on her first novel, a dystopian romance set in the 22nd Century, that's due out in 2024.

Sinead has an MFA in creative writing from NYU and has had residencies with the Vermont Studio Center and the National Center for Writing.
close-link
close-link