At some point or another, most everyone has insisted that they hate drama. However, only some of those people are telling the truth, for while many claim they “hate drama,” some actually thrive on drama. Worse still, if there is no drama, they’re go ahead and create some.
Troublemakers
trou·ble·mak·er
a person who habitually causes difficulty or problems, especially by inciting others to defy those in authority.
synonyms: rabble-rouser, rogue, scourge, agitator, agent provocateur, ringleader
People who thrive on drama are basically troublemakers, but few will admit to that. The mischief maker is keenly aware of his or her ability to stir the pot and they wield that incendiary power with great cunning and glee, but when confronted, they play innocent — they’re never responsible for creating drama, because “the drama always finds me!”
You probably know a troublemaker or two and here are some helpful signs to know if you have one in your midst:
They’re gossipers, tattlers and blamer’s
They thrive on gossip and the more salacious the better. Never engage with them and never reveal anything personal, because if they gossip about others, they’ll gossip about you. They also love to rat people out, even if what they’re alleging is false; be careful, because the troublemaker is stealthy and he/she will gather information covertly (e.g. they’ll become your “best friend” just to get information) and won’t think twice about using it against their victim. They’re also adept at the blame game — it’s never their fault and they’ll use their cunning to try and convince people that they’re the victim and not the culprit.
They claim that drama finds them
They created drama? Perish the thought! Drama finds them — they’re not creating it, they’re an innocent victim of it. Don’t fall for this, because they create drama even in their sleep.
They overreact and make mountains out of molehills
Needing to feed their drama addiction, if no drama is to be had, they’ll create it with ease. An innocent comment will be twisted and blown our of proportion, all so they can generate trouble.
They play both sides of the argument
Don’t make the mistake of asking a troublemaker to give you advice on a relationship issue. Tell them about an argument you had with a mutual friend or co-worker and they’ll take your side to your face. But, they’ll then run to that friend or co-worker and slam you, all the while siding with them…to their face that is.
They comment on everything
The perpetual troublemaker thinks nothing of sharing their opinion, even if not invited. They have a comment on everything and everyone and usually, its negative — but beware, because they’re skilled at disguising it as a compliment or a positive, even though its an outright attack on someone or something.
Do any of these signs apply to someone you know? Troublemakers are always offended by something and they gossip, malign, attack, incite and generally, make life miserable.
Why?
There could be many reasons why a person becomes a troublemaker. Generally though, they may be lacking something inside. They are often angry and instead of facing the reasons for their anger or jealousy, they try to make everyone as miserable as they are. Sadly, most troublemakers are ultimately lonely people, because their bitterness and pent-up anger make them tough to be around for the long-haul and they rarely have lasting relationships.
There is a Proverb in the Bible about troublemakers that I think is quite apropos, even if you’re not a Christian. It speaks to the dangers of letting troublemakers into your life and
Proverbs 6:12-19
A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing.
There are six things that the Lord hates,seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
I also like this Bible passage on troublemakers:
Romans 16:17-20
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
These passages are quite relevant, regardless of your religious beliefs or affiliation. Troublemakers are all around us and they’re toxic, because they zap all the positivity in their path. If you know one, be careful.