Halloween is such a fun time of year with all the little kid trick or treaters decked out in such great costumes. But in our jobs, work life, and perhaps even in some personal situations for you there is

Another Scary Character Among Us Following Halloween.

It is that of the emotional vampire character. You know these people. Don't know why they are the way they are, but they suck the life out of you with their spirit. You feel drained around them. You may even be in fear of them.

Time spent with an emotional vampire is time not well spent, or even healthy for you. They intimidate you, want more from you than they will ever give you, and often put out much negativity.

Avoid them, partition them to just some of your time to tolerate them, remember THEY have the problem, not you. Develop coping skills to isolate them from your good heart.

We all need emotional rescues at times from the damage emotional vampires do to us. Surround yourself with supporting friends, find those who see your good side and remind you of it. Above all remember the emotional vampires may be just sent into your life as a "bad example" out there. Use them as a contrast to all the blessings you do have in life with the good friends and family members you can count on. Scary yes. But something you can handle with good thoughts and a terrific support system.