Lemondrop

Friend terrorists -- we've all got them: friends and acquaintances who drive us batcrackers. Some are chronic oversharers. Others are super-needy and neurotic. Still others are slightly undermine-y or super-competitive.

But for whatever reason -- social grace, history, deep-seated masochism -- we keep these people around (even though they're proven to be bad for us). No matter how many times we swear we're going to ditch them.

Each week, Lemondrop chronicles some of the most common (and annoying) Friend Terrorist types.

Name: The Dramztigator

Identifying Characteristics: The Dramztigator is constantly starting trouble in your friend group, claiming that she's been wronged by one or another of your posse or attempting to pit two perfectly civil groups against one another. She usually does this by wielding her favored Dramztigator weapon -- le gossip.

Click here to read more about this poisonous pal.


Field Study: Allie, 23, from Twin Falls, Idaho, has a Dramztigator we'll call Deanna. "Deanna loves talking crap and can always find a reason to start trouble. We might start out having an argument about who should be eliminated on 'American Idol' but then she'll 'jokingly' spin it to point out some problem she has with me."

Allie mostly ignores Deanna's drama, but adds, "Sometimes I'm, like, shut up already. Does everything have to be personal? We're not all out to get you!"

Why You Keep the Dramztigator Around: Face it, the Dramztigator's pretty entertaining sometimes. She also allows you to harmlessly vent your frustrations with your friends. Should you ditch her? Nah, but you should keep a safe distance -- lest ye be the object of the Dramztigator's wrath.

Got a Friend Terrorist you want to tell us about? Drop us a line! We promise we'll change all identifying/incriminating details!