Huh? This sounds like someone I know...

I thought of someone as soon as I saw the term 'Meaning Deprivator' mentioned in .

What is a Meaning Deprivator? It refers to people like energy vampires who steal our sense of purpose and reason for being. They are around us in all sorts of forms – as friends, family, seniors, colleagues, or online friends – and they use us for their own benefit.

In , author Mi-kyung Jeon mentions some common traits that Meaning Deprivaters share.

1. They always point out flaws.
2. They focus on the results rather than the process.
3. They treat others as their means.
4. They disregard individuality.
5. They only care about visible actions.
6. They are stingy with sharing (whether material or spiritual).
7. They don't think about the meaning and value of life.
8. They don't know how to be grateful to others.

-You are Stronger Than You Think, Mi-kyung Jeon, Woongjin Knowledge House

Relationships with people who have these traits can turn our lives gray. However, many people find it hard to break off these relationships even when they know the other person is having a negative influence on them. It's because of anxiety and fear. Uncertainty about the future and past wounds keep us trapped in unhealthy relationships.

"What if I'm more lonely without this friend?", "Is this what my senior really means by saying this?", "What if no one is there for me when I need help?"

For many different reasons, we continue to maintain relationships that harm us. We're afraid of a future that hasn't happened yet, so we keep eating the apple even though we know it's poisoned.

To break free from bad relationships, we need to overcome anxiety and fear. It's very important to understand our own emotions and learn to manage our minds.

Can we truly find happiness in a relationship where someone only points out our flaws and sees me as just a tool?

We need to draw a clear line with Meaning Deprivaters. Even if I become a villain in this process, it's okay to be firm and become a villain to protect myself.

"If you're just a bad guy, then I'm a worse bad guy."

Don't be afraid to become a villain to protect yourself. We have the right to fight against negative influences that harm us, and we must not forget that we are the main character in our own lives. Breaking free from energy vampires who steal our sense of purpose and reason for being will bring us closer to the life we truly want.

[The characteristics of Meaning Giverswe need to meet]

1. Always mention strengths.

2. They value the process, not the results.

3. They see others as goals.

4. They acknowledge individuality and differences.

5. They value inner emotions, awakening, and thoughts more than actions themselves.

6. They understand the beauty of sharing.

7. They contemplate the meaning and value of life.

8. They are grateful to others.

-You are Stronger Than You Think, Mi-kyung Jeon, Woongjin Knowledge House