7 Friendship Red Flags — And What To Do About Them. Friendship is a lovely thing. Friendship enriches life and makes it less lonely. They encourage you, love you, and boost your self-esteem. True friends support you. Friendship provides us with a sense of purpose and belonging. It gives us a sense of calm and “home.”
However, not all friendships are beneficial or healthy. Some friendships, like some romantic relationships, are toxic from the start. And these are friendships that should not be maintained. Toxic friendships should be avoided at all costs.
“Toxic friendships can take various forms, but they generally drain you mentally and have a way of bringing you down rather than building you up,”
“A good friend who is having a bad day may snap at you or appear distant, but they will most likely apologize once things calm down.”
Toxic friends, on the other hand, have a pattern that never really goes away. Even if they realize they made you feel bad, they won’t show much regret or desire to change.
But wait, there’s more: Toxic friends are self-centered and selfish. They request assistance or favors but never reciprocate. Toxic friends have a lot to say. They gossip a lot and like to talk about themselves. You feel bad about yourself when you hang out with toxic people. They make fun of you, tease you, make jokes about you, and frequently put you down. Toxic friends are erratic. They make you feel anxious and uneasy. Some people are even abusive and/or manipulative. And toxic friends try to persuade you to change. Rather than accepting you (and your personality) for who you are, they try to shape you into the friend they want, not the person you are. Some toxic friends will even tell you what to do, what to wear, what to say, and how to behave. Instead of offering advice, they issue commands.
Toxic friendships can have a significant impact on overall well-being — and not in a good way,” according to Healthline. “Spending time with people who are unconcerned about your feelings can have a negative impact on your emotional and physical health.” For example, your stress level may rise, and you may feel isolated and alone. “If you notice any of the following signs after spending time with a friend, you might want to reconsider the friendship.”
Of course, there are other red flags in a friendship. Broken friendships are not always toxic; sometimes people simply “fall out.” Some friendships, like relationships, simply disintegrate. And, while you can usually predict these things — you might avoid seeing a “friend” because their company no longer brings you joy, for example —Not all signs are obvious. Here i will share 7 Friendship Red Flags.
7 Friendship Red Flags:
- When you’re together, if your friend’s face is constantly buried in their phone, they don’t want a friend; they want company. That is not the same thing.
- If you find yourself avoiding situations with your friend, you may be in trouble; for example, lying to avoid get-togethers is a huge red flag.
- Friendships, like all relationships, are built on conversations, candor, and trust, so if you feel you can’t be vulnerable and/or honest with your friend, you should be concerned.
- You may be in trouble if your friend never “checks in” with you. Friendship is a two-way street, and silence could be an indication that something is wrong.
- If your friend is only there for you when things are going well, they may not be a true friend. Make no mistake: Party friends have their place, but if you mix them up, you may be disappointed or hurt.
- Purchasing friendships is also a thing, and it is a sign that something is wrong. If a friend lavishes you with trips and gifts but fails to show up when you need an ear or support, they are not interested in friendship. They are looking for a project.
- Finally, if you dread their texts or phone calls and find yourself saying things like “what do they want now?” when your phone dings or rings, you should probably reconsider your relationship.
That being said, if you notice any of these 7 Friendship Red Flags in your friendship(s), don’t worry: their presence does not imply that your bond is doomed to fail. Rather, these signs should serve as a source of inspiration and revelation for you. They should encourage you to talk about what you need or want with each other. An open, honest conversation could be the wake-up call you both require. True friends are capable of overcoming stagnation, broken foundations, and rough patches. If you want to mend your relationship, try putting the phone down. Get together, show up, and go on “friendship dates.” Because, yes, even these relationships necessitate care and attention.
That being said, not all friendships are worth salvaging and saving — and that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes the friendliest thing you can do for each other is part ways. Have you ever experienced these 7 Friendship Red Flags? Tell us about it!
