Dealing with Psychic Vampires: A Lesson from Anton LaVey

Do you ever find yourself hanging out with someone who seems to be a never-ending pit of energy depletion? They may never directly ask for anything, yet you find yourself constantly doing them favors, feeling drained, and questioning if they’re truly a “worthy” friend. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, then it’s time to take a page out of Anton LaVey’s book and bid these psychic vampires adieu faster than you would ditch a bad reality show.

Anton LaVey, the enigmatic founder of Satanism, was far from the kind of person who believed in fluffy rainbows and kumbaya moments. His philosophy revolved around self-respect and not taking nonsense from anyone. He advocated for standing up for oneself and ensuring that those who mistreated you faced the consequences of their actions. It wasn’t about seeking revenge for personal enjoyment, but rather delivering a firm message that said, “Your actions have consequences,” with the hope that they might learn something for next time.

LaVey’s teachings emphasize the importance of personal boundaries, which can be especially crucial when dealing with psychic vampires – those individuals who seem to feed off your energy without giving anything in return. These energy-suckers might not pick fights or engage in obvious conflict, but they possess the uncanny ability to leave you feeling utterly drained. They’re the friends who never reciprocate your kindness, the colleagues who take credit for your hard work, or the acquaintances who monopolize your time and leave you emotionally exhausted.

If you constantly find yourself giving and getting nothing in return, if you feel obligated to spend time with someone even though it sucks the life out of you, it’s high time to say “adios, amigo!” Of course, this doesn’t mean ditching your responsibilities, especially when it comes to family and close friends. However, for anyone else, a simple “no” should suffice. You deserve to be surrounded by people who contribute positively to your life, rather than those who only take.

But how do you recognize a psychic vampire in your life? Look for the warning signs:

1. One-Sided Relationships: If you’re always the one making an effort to keep the relationship going, whether it’s initiating plans, checking in, or offering support, and the other person never reciprocates, you might have a psychic vampire on your hands.
2. Emotional Drain: After spending time with this person, do you feel emotionally exhausted, drained, or even resentful? Psychic vampires have a way of sapping your energy and leaving you feeling depleted.
3. Excessive Demands: They may not ask directly for favors, but they have an uncanny ability to make you feel obligated to do things for them, often without gratitude or acknowledgment.
4. Manipulative Behavior: Psychic vampires can be subtle manipulators, making you feel guilty for setting boundaries or prioritizing your own needs.
5. Negative Influence: If you notice that spending time with someone consistently leads to negative emotions, stress, or drama, it’s time to reevaluate the relationship.

So, the next time you encounter someone trying to siphon your precious energy, take inspiration from LaVey’s words: “Make yourself a Terror to your adversary.” Sometimes, that adversary is simply the unnecessary drama in your life. By liberating yourself from psychic vampires, you can make room for more fulfilling and positive relationships that align with your own values and well-being.

Remember, it’s not about seeking revenge or creating unnecessary conflict, but rather reclaiming your own energy and well-being. Setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing relationships that are mutually beneficial will allow you to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. In the end, you owe it to yourself to surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who drain you dry.