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I Blocked a Toxic Childhood Friend and It Taught Me an Important Lesson About Managing People There's nothing more soul-sucking than a friend or coworker who only takes but never gives. We call them "Energy Vampires," and this is how you should deal with them.

By Ali Kriegsman Edited by Mark Klekas

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

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I recently took ten days off to explore Italy and celebrate a close friend's wedding. I enjoyed anchovy pasta in Umbria without any stomach issues, made pesto in Manarola, stayed in a castle-turned-B&B in Levanto, and indulged in pizza, cigarettes, and gelato in Rome. In summation, it was perfect.

But this trip got me noodling on a series of experiences that felt far from perfect. They forced me to face one of the most dangerous encounters one can have: the life-sucking power of an Energy Vampire.

What is an Energy Vampire? And why are they so dangerous?

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