That impacts our health negatively, as much as great relationships do positively.
But the truth is that some friendships are, indeed, toxic.
How can you tell if you’re in a toxic friendship, and what should you do about it?
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Here are the signs to look out for.
How Can You Tell If a Friend Is Toxic?
If you might relate to the below, you might be friends with someone who could be considered toxic.
Life in general should be 50:50 with friends, not always focused on one person or the other.
Friends are meant to uplift you, not cause you to worry you aren’t good enough.
They’re Too Competitive
Friendship isn’t meant to have a winner!
Rather, the point of friendship issupport, and friends should want you to do well.
This could happen because they’re critical, or manipulative, or compete with you.
Whatever the reason, if you walk away from your interactionsfeeling worseinstead of better, there’s a problem.
That’s a toxic trait too.
“They may share your secrets or gossip about you with other friends.
Toxic friends take the drama with them wherever they go.
This kind ofself-centerednesscould also be a sign of narcissism.
They might just be saying something nice because they want something from you.
Pay attention to your friend’s actions, not just their words.
They’re Unreliable
You should be able to count on your friends.
Wait, Could the Toxic Friend Be Me?
Of course, before we decide our friend is the problem we should be sure that’s the case.
“Toxic friendships can be so damaging to our mental health,” says Le Goy.
She notes that humans are hardwired to seek connection and close relationships with supporting, loving people.
She says that even once we know our friendship is toxic, we still might hang on to it.
Other types of toxic friends may attempt to turn others against you.”
Knowing that it may be hard doesn’t mean you should remain inactive.
Whichever approach you take, be protective of your emotional wellness.
What to do if your friend doesn’t own up to their behavior?
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