10 Traits of Miserable People

Throughout my life, I’ve encountered many unhappy, miserable individuals. While I don’t take any pleasure in admitting this, it’s important to recognize them for what they are before they have a chance to impact your life. 

Sadly, these types of people, often referred to as “haters,” are all around us, and their goal is to tear others down.

In this post, I’ll share the ten common traits I’ve noticed in chronically unhappy individuals. These habits, driven by desperation and negativity, keep them trapped in misery. 

But by identifying them, you can protect yourself from falling into their orbit.

1. Unrelenting Jealousy

Miserable people often harbor intense jealousy, which stems from deep insecurities. While they may mask their resentment with a smile, their envy is undeniable. 

They’ll bad-mouth others, defame them, and try to drag them down, all in an effort to make themselves feel better. In the end, though, this behavior only poisons them more.

2. Dull, Boring Lives

Miserable people lead monotonous lives filled with mediocrity. They lack excitement and adventure, opting for TV marathons, junk food, and unhealthy habits. 

Despite this, they complain endlessly about the emptiness of their existence while never taking the initiative to change it.

3. Frequent Fights

Misery loves company, and these individuals seem to thrive on conflict. They’ll start unnecessary arguments, often over trivial matters. 

If the other party doesn’t react with sympathy, they’ll quickly shift to playing the victim, even though they were the ones who instigated the fight.

4. Blame Shifting and Playing the Victim

Rather than taking responsibility for their actions, miserable people are quick to blame others for their problems. 

They wallow in self-pity and make their emotional struggles their entire identity. Their inability to accept responsibility keeps them stagnant, ensuring they never improve.

5. Living Through Other People’s Drama

When their own lives lack excitement, miserable people insert themselves into others’ drama. 

They exaggerate situations and often present themselves as a source of comfort, sharing their own sad stories to make others feel sorry for them.

6. Envy of Success

Rather than celebrating others’ achievements, miserable people are consumed by jealousy. They’ll often think, “Why not me?” and find ways to discredit those who’ve succeeded, without acknowledging the hard work that got them there.

7. Cowardice

Miserable people are often too afraid to face challenges head-on. They’ll criticize others from the comfort of their couch, too afraid to make an effort in their own lives. 

They’re more likely to attack from a distance than to engage directly.

8. Selfishness

Miserable individuals prioritize their own troubles above all else. Their negative outlook and self-centered behavior push others away. 

They’re so focused on their own dissatisfaction that they fail to recognize or empathize with the struggles of others. They are the opposite of empaths.

Related article: 10 Signs You Are an Empath Woman

9. Resistance to Change

Miserable people resist change at all costs. They hate anything unfamiliar or outside their comfort zone. 

Change requires effort, and they are unwilling to make that effort, preferring instead to remain stuck in their miserable state.

10. Living in Denial

Often, miserable people are in denial about their circumstances. They create defense mechanisms to shield themselves from reality, refusing to acknowledge their problems. 

This denial only intensifies their misery, as they avoid facing the root causes of their unhappiness.

The Prison of Their Own Minds

At the core of their misery, these individuals are prisoners of their own thoughts. They live in a constant state of anxiety, replaying negative scenarios over and over again in their minds. 

This mental anguish becomes their reality, keeping them trapped in a cycle of suffering.

While it’s unfortunate that these miserable people exist, I hope they’ll one day find the will to break free from their negativity. 

Until then, let’s continue living our best lives – filled with adventure, love, success, and joy. After all, misery may love company, but happiness is far more rewarding.

Get More Insights and Help

If you’ve seen these traits in people around you – or started recognizing them in yourself – now’s the time to act. You don’t have to let their misery infect your mindset or energy.

At Heroes’ Stories, you’ll find honest, insightful content that helps you recognize toxic behavior, set healthy boundaries, and protect your joy.

To stop attracting or becoming emotionally draining people – join the waitlist for the MyTAR App. Inside, you’ll find TAR Quest – the world’s first gamified toxic relationship recovery program, launching soon.

With just 8 minutes a day, this 3-month journey will guide you step-by-step toward clarity, emotional freedom, and a more peaceful, powerful life. All that while having fun in the app.

You deserve more than just surviving toxic energy. You deserve to thrive – and it starts with one intentional step forward.

Join the MyTAR App waitlist to be first in line when TAR Quest launches.