The first step to protect yourself from people with bad intentions is recognizing the multiple warning signs that malevolent individuals display. The following list can teach you how to know if someone has bad purposes:

1. Taking pleasure in other people’s misery

   Those who take pleasure in other people’s misfortune are not good individuals.

   It might be a possible sign of a sadistic personality trait. Not to mention that it’s also very low class to cheer and be happy if other people get hurt, even if you happen to dislike them.

   Even if you hate someone, actively wishing for people to get hurt is not appropriate. Because why would you put time and energy into someone you don’t like? That’s counterintuitive. Wishing the worst to someone shows you’re still invested and that you still care. The only thing you’re showing by hating someone is that you’re preventing yourself from moving on, it does nothing positive for your own life.

   In this specific case, it’s better to take the high road and let people live their own lives while minding their own business, even when they greatly loathe the person.

2. They don’t have many friends or none at all

   

   People who don’t have many friends are typically a sign that something is up, that something is wrong that we perhaps might not have noticed yet.

   However human individuals are frequently picky about whom they choose to be around, especially in their precious free time. That’s why those with no or few friends can be a sign that they have bad intentions or are unpleasant to be around.

   Of course, that’s not to say that someone who has few friends is automatically someone who’s not fun to be around or someone with bad intentions. It might simply be that they just moved to a new place, that they are introverted, or perhaps they are even a bit shy. We should not automatically think the worst. But, we should be prepared for it.

   If you do happen to meet people with bad intentions traits, then stay away from toxic people.

3. You feel something is off

   One of the giveaway signs someone is not a nice person is when you get weird vibes from someone. People have a hidden intuition for telling when something or someone is off.

   We frequently can’t quite put a finger on what’s off about something, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Of course, we might come to the conclusion over time that we’ve been wrong about someone, that’s certainly possible since it’s only human to make mistakes.

   But you will find that your intuition is correct more often than not.

   That’s why you should always consult your intuition. Don’t just dismiss it as unimportant or inaccurate, as your unconsciousness might have noticed something that your consciousness has missed.

4. They are awful to animals and pets

   

   People who are mean, or intentionally hurt animals, are bad. That’s a dead giveaway. Because animals are often innocent, harmless, and very appreciative of human attention and interaction.

   People who take advantage of animals’ inability to defend themselves are horrible human beings. They might end up being psychopaths who lack any sort of conscience and empathy.

   If you see someone mistreating animals, then make sure to avoid that person and report the incident to animal protection. Such individuals can’t be allowed to go through with their disgusting behavior unpunished.

5. They denigrate your fears and doubts

   Part of being human means having your fears and doubts. No matter how physically or mentally tough you are, all of us have our insecurities.

   Someone who belittles your fears is either lying, because everyone, no matter how tough you are, experiences fear from time to time, or because they are too dumb and thus possess not an ounce of introspective ability. Or, perhaps that person has no fears because they’ve got a mental disorder such as psychopathy and lacks empathy and a conscience in general.

6. They use humor as an excuse to insult you

   

   People who use humor to insult you might be a sign of trying to mask their hidden attempts to belittle or hurt you while having the excuse of “just joking.” This can mean that they know very well that what they’re doing is wrong, and are consequently searching for an excuse if they get caught and called out on their behavior.

   Of course, you should make sure that the person in question isn’t just playfully teasing you without bad intentions. Because teasing could be a way of showing affection to someone.

7. They are lying all the time

   Those who lie all the time are quite obviously not trustworthy. Because if you have nothing to hide, then why would you lie or even consider lying?

   Of course, sometimes it is almost necessary to tell a white lie to prevent conflict and to remain in good standing with others, as few people can handle the honest, unsalted truth.

   But, the main difference between a straight-up lie and a white lie is the intention. Someone who lies all the time does so for their advantage or because they’ve got something to hide. People telling the occasional white lie do so to prevent hurting others’ feelings. Which is a big difference, even though on the surface both seem like ordinary liars.

   

8. They make racist and sexist comments

   People who are racist and sexist are bigoted and show how distasteful they are by making rude comments.

   People who hate other people just because they have a different skin color, or are rude to the other sex because they deem themselves to be above them, are people to avoid since they are not pleasant to be around. Never mind the fact that we are all humans who are deserving of love and respect.

   They may be suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder. In this case, you shouldn’t let them drag themselves down along with you.

9. They manipulate other people

   Manipulative individuals do so for their own advantage. For their gain. Because why would you bother manipulating other people to do your bidding if there’s nothing in it for you?

   An example of manipulating you can be through the employment of gaslighting behavior, which can make people doubt their own sanity.

   Some are constantly looking to twist you into places that benefit them. Even though they might make it seem like it’s in your own best interest, and they might possess a superficial charm, it’s best to stay clear of them because they’re looking to misuse you.

10. They don’t have feelings of guilt and remorse

    

    There’s a name for people who don’t feel guilt and lack any sense of remorse, and that’s psychopathy.

    That’s not to say that every psychopath is out there to actively hurt you. You’ve probably met multiple of them without ever noticing. But, if people lack any remorse or guilt for doing something terrible, then consider staying far away from that person, because you could be next.

    Without the guilt that comes with our conscience and empathy, why would we even stop trying to get what we want even if it hurts other people?

11. They lack empathy

    Empathy is a basic human emotion, except for those with mental health disorders.

    Now, a few things need to be said. Normally, some people are more empathetic than others, as people are different and have their unique personalities.

    But beware of those who lack any form of empathy, as you never know what they might do to you and others because their brain does not induce the necessary amount of inhibition. Inhibition is an important function of our brain that regulates our behavior in a sense.

    And while our brain normally stimulates our behavior, perhaps its even more critical function is inhibiting our emotions and certain behaviors to make us act in the world appropriately and to protect ourselves and others.