Am I In A Toxic Friendship? 10+ Signs To Look Out For

How do you know if a friendship is toxic?

A good friendship makes your life meaningful which is often combined with emotional and mental support. Friends ease the tension and cut down the problems which are settled inside us so that life is satisfactory. In fact, good social connections are known to increase the lifespan while lowering the risk of mental or physical concerns. 

However, if friendships take a toxic form then it can drain all your positive energies, leading you to an unhappy state. Are you thinking that your best friend is no more best for you and bashing you in a toxic friendship then it is best to check the signs again.

What Are The Common Signs To Look Out For In a Toxic Friendship? 

1. Giving More Than Receiving

Your friend asks for your help and you instantly run for them and help. But if you are not getting what you want in times of need, there are high chances of being in a toxic friendship. They may be someone who wants to talk about their life and their problems but when it comes to discussing yours, they flip off. 

2. Trust is Out of The Friendship

Friendships are built on the bed of trust but if you express anything to your friend and it goes out, toxicity has made its way. Although some friends may need to break promises due to legit reasons and it’s healthy too. But it’s totally unfair to back out from the promises that were made to keep the friendship strong.

What do toxic friendships look like?

3. Gossiping

What if you tell your friend something personal but the next day, everyone in the group is aware of the personal discussion then it is a strong sign of toxic friendship. Someone who constantly breaks your promises while gossiping about you and doesn’t care for your promises, this friendship shall be ended. 

4. They Are Jealous

A healthy competition is good and may even give positive results while helping you to improve every day. However, when jealousy comes in between then it can lead to aggressive competition. This kind of behavior leads to toxicity and may even kill your accomplishments.

What a unhealthy friendship looks like?

5. Compare You To Others

Does your friend compare you to other friends? Do they tell you that you don’t have a big house, nice clothes, or money to hang out with them in pubs or bars? If a toxic friendship is demanding such traits and expecting you to be someone you are not, it is surely a place to move away from.

6. Making You Feel Insecure

It’s necessary to listen to your gut feeling in any relationship, be it friendship or any other. If they make you feel downward and walking away from them makes you feel better then understand the signs of toxicity. Although some friends are honest to your face but if they are making you realize good things in life, it’s absolutely acceptable. If they are just being toxic, you should know the doors already.

7. You Are Too Careful Around Them

Before you say something or act in a certain way, do you think twice? It feels like walking on an eggshell when you are not being carefree with your friend and trying to hide your feelings. This is a classic sign of toxic friendship. It may even feel like making extra efforts to be around them. Trust us, this is not where you belong.

8. They Keep Criticizing You

If you feel that your self-esteem is going down because of continuous criticism then you are stuck in a toxic friendship. It is necessary to draw boundaries in order to stand right for yourself. Remember that toxic friends do not usually change and keep pointing your flaws rather than pushing you to become better. 

They Keep Criticizing

9. Energy Sucking Vampires

A healthy friendship is something that is emotionally fulfilling. But when a conversation is draining all your energy and not letting you enjoy your life, it is a toxic friendship. They are not even trustworthy and ultimately bring stress to personal life.

10. Everything Is Dramatic

As soon as you meet them, life looks loud and super dramatic. They constantly suck your mind and make you mentally tired. It’s a serious cause of concern for your personal mental health and if it’s happening with you, you need to exit the zone right now.


11. They Try To Change You

“Your profile picture is not great, you should change it.” to “Why do you put up such a cheap eyeshadow.” makes you feel uncomfortable in their company. You would never feel good enough around them and this makes you willing to change yourself. However, changing yourself is never a good option but leaving toxic friendships behind is definitely a good one.

12. Apologies Look Hollow

They might shrug off to tell you sorry but their sorries are even more distressing. Even after apologies, you feel neglected and invaluable. Certainly not a place to stand for a longer run.

Conclusion

You must have understood that good friendships are meant to strengthen you rather than put you in compromising positions or guilty. We hope that you bring yourself out of the sluggishness that shows signs of a toxic friendship with the help of the tips mentioned above.

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