When deciding whom to trust, bear in mind that the combination of consistently bad or egregiously inadequate behavior with frequent plays for your pity is as close to a warning mark on a conscienceless person’s forehead as you will ever be given. A person whose behavior includes both of these features is not necessarily a mass murderer, or even violent at all, but is still probably not someone you should befriend, take on as your business partner, ask to take care of your children, or marry.
(Excerpt from Martha Stout’s book, The Sociopath Next Door [Affiliate link], p109)
***
Further Reading
Do not Pity the Wicker: Abusers use Pity as a Snare
Christians Need to Get “Pity” Right and Stop Pitying the Wicked While Refusing Pity to the Innocent
A Cry For Justice 
Hemingway said
This way is slightly more helpful.
Excellent advice.
My counsellor had me write this quote on my wall.
In my case, she said, it applies to whom you even consider their opinion. If they aren’t worthy of respect and admiration, throw their criticisms / judgements / comments in the bin where they belong. And don’t keep these people as friends.
Thanks for the book link posting! Exactly what I was looking for:)
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Wishing I had heard this advice so, so, so long ago. I could have been spared so much pain and heartache.
Eyes opened.
I was too young to read when this information would have been helpful… (sigh)