Evil people are everywhere, and may even be among friends, family members, or colleagues. Their actions can be subtle or obvious, but they all want the same thing: to manipulate, harm, or exploit others for their gain. You must know the signs of evil behavior to protect yourself from their harmful intentions. Let’s find out 15 things evil people do and suggest how to deal with them.
Spreading Malicious Rumours
Some evil people spread harmful and often untrue information about others to damage their reputations or relationships. They want to hurt the person’s image. Ignore the rumors and focus on building and maintaining positive relationships with those who know you well.
Manipulating Others for Personal Gain
It’s common for them to use manipulation tactics to exploit others for their benefit. Such people might lie, deceive, or coerce others into doing things that serve their interests even at the expense of others. Be aware of manipulation tactics and assert your boundaries.
Undermine Others’ Confidence or Self-esteem
You’ll notice that they may intentionally belittle or devalue others. They want control or dominance over others and see attacking their self-esteem as the way to go. Build your self-confidence and stay around those who uplift you.
Sabotaging Relationships or Opportunities
They can destroy relationships or opportunities for others out of jealousy, resentment, or wanting to stay in control. They may fear that you will leave their grasp if you attain certain heights or keep some friends. Do your best to communicate openly with those involved in your relationships or opportunities.
Gaslighting People
Many evil people may use gaslighting to gain control over others by making them question their reality and depend more on the manipulator’s version of events. Never stop trusting your perception of reality. When in doubt, seek validation from trusted sources, not them. If needed, see a professional.
Take Advantage of Kindness
Some exploit the goodwill and generosity of others for their benefit. They manipulate or guilt-trip people into doing things for them without genuine appreciation or reciprocity. Be selective about who you help. Say no and stick with it when you feel exploited.
Stealing
Why take what doesn’t belong to you without regard for how it affects others? Theft goes beyond material possessions to ideas and opportunities. Protect your belongings and ideas by securing them properly. If necessary, address theft with the appropriate authorities.
Ignoring Boundaries
Evil people disregard the physical, emotional, and personal boundaries and limits set by others. Do people intrude into your space, violate your privacy, or push you to do things you’re uncomfortable with? Communicate and enforce your boundaries and limit your interactions with those who repeatedly violate them.
Intentionally Cause Emotional or Physical Harm
Only an evil person will harm others emotionally or physically and derive pleasure or satisfaction from it. They may use verbal abuse, physical violence, or other actions. Remove yourself from harmful situations and put your safety and well-being first.
Using Others Without Considering Their Feelings
They treat others as means to an end and use them when possible. When they exploit others to achieve their goals, they don’t consider how it affects the individuals involved. Surround yourself with people who respect your feelings and well-being and avoid the opposite
Disrespecting Others’ Opinions
One evil sign is a lack of respect for the viewpoints and beliefs of others, dismissing or ridiculing differing opinions like they aren’t worthy of consideration. Stand up for your opinions, and when you engage in constructive conversations with those who have differing opinions, avoid those who are disrespectful.
Manipulating People’s Emotions to Control Them
Guilt, sympathy, and fear are weapons in the hands of evil people who may use them to control others’ behavior. They want to influence how others think or act. Recognize emotional manipulation tactics and assert your independence.
Blaming Others for Things That Are Not Their Fault
Shifting blame onto others for your own mistakes or shortcomings is unfair, but they don’t care. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Never accept unwarranted blame and hold others accountable for their actions.
Intentionally Causing Misunderstandings or Conflicts
Deliberately creating confusion or discord between individuals or groups is another level of evil. However, there’s nothing an evil person won’t do to serve their agenda. Clarify misunderstandings, avoid escalating situations, and seek mediation if necessary.
Betraying Confidence or Sharing Secrets
Some evil individuals betray the trust of others by revealing their secrets. Such betrayal can have serious consequences, possibly damage relationships, and cause emotional harm. Be selective about who you trust with confidential information. Healthily try to rebuild hurt relationships.
