As the summer turns to fall and fall brings winter, those of us in southern states are constantly reminded of change. When we leave for work in the morning, we need sufficient warmth of a strong cup of coffee and a thick coat and by noon we are taking off the layers and sporting our short sleeved shirts and ready for a cold drink to cool us down. Weather patterns in our region can be frustrating and unpredictable. And yet, as we become familiar with the patterns of weather throughout seasons and days, we can be prepared for such extreme changes.

Some people in our lives can be just as unpredictable as the weather we expericne during this time of year. These people can take on the appearance of a vampire and drain you of your emotional stability and psychological well-being.  (Please be sure not confuse the vampires I am referring to with famous sparkling teenagers from popular books and movies.)  One moment, they are quick to meet our needs, and the next they are making outrageous demands of you.

These constant changes in people can be frustrating if one is not prepared for them.  One helpful resource is a book called Emotional Vampires by Albert Bernstein. This book offers protection from people who seek to destroy the emotional and psychological well-being of others.

Like the fabled demons, these vampires:

• Think their needs are more important than yours
• Believe “the rules” apply only to other people
• Use their tempers in the same way terrorists use bombs

Emotional Vampires tells readers how to spot a “vampire” in their lives, which defense strategies to employ to prevent one from striking, and what to do if and when they find themselves under attack.