Energy Vampires & Identity Thieves (The Emotional Kind)

We’ve all felt it.

That sudden drain of energy after a conversation that should have been lighthearted, or the creeping discomfort when someone starts mirroring your words, your style, your very essence — not out of admiration, but because they have no identity of their own.

Energy vampires are real, and I’m not talking about the ones from fiction. These are people who feed off your energy because they have none of their own. They thrive in chaos, love to pull you into their storm, and walk away feeling energized while you’re left emotionally depleted. They rarely take accountability, often playing the victim or stirring the pot just to see what spills over.

But it’s not just about the energy drain.

Some people, in their deep-rooted insecurity, latch onto the identity of others. They mimic personalities, copy interests, adopt the very essence of someone else’s soul like a costume to be worn — all because they’ve never done the inner work to discover who they really are.

It’s unsettling, isn’t it?

To watch someone else try to live in your skin. To see them repeat your stories, borrow your style, mimic your passions, even claim your ideas as their own. But here’s the thing: imitation might be flattery at first, but eventually, it becomes theft when it’s done out of emptiness rather than inspiration.

And it’s exhausting.

When you are a person who has done the work, who knows yourself deeply, and who lives authentically, you become a magnet. People are drawn to your light, your originality, your energy. And sadly, not everyone comes to appreciate it — some come to siphon it.

So what do you do?

You guard your energy like your life depends on it — because in many ways, it does.

You set boundaries without apology.

You trust your gut when it senses something off.

And most importantly, you continue to be yourself, because the very thing they are trying to steal is something they will never truly possess: your authenticity.

They can copy your steps, but they can never walk your path.

Your light is irreplaceable.

Your energy is sacred.

And your identity is not up for grabs.

Protect it. Own it. And remember: no one can be you, better than you.