She’s excited, you’re excited, plans are coming around, and things are looking up.
That is until she starts acting weird.
Not committing to deadlines.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Taking credit for your ideas.
Establishing herself as the key contributor, even though they did zero, zip, zilch, nada.
Hidden motives, personal agendas, and blatant dishonesty make it hard to know who isforyou oragainstyou.
They come calling when you’re having a bad day.
They’re there with a bottle of wine and a box of chocolate in hand.
Do any of these actions mean they have your best interest at heart?
Intentions can be obscured by external factors like personal agendas, social dynamics, or emotional manipulation.
A person who has your best interest at heart will help you foster a healthy, mature relationship.
They’ll create a space that feels safe and affirming for both of you.
Your self-esteem and self-worth improve.So does your confidence.
It can foster personal growth, too.
Genuine care often includes providing opportunities for growth and development, leading to continuous self-improvement and achieving personal goals.
These feelings can create a sense of emotional instability, making it challenging to maintain healthy relationships.
As such being around such individuals can trigger stress responses, impacting your overall mental health.
Not only does it save you a lot of pain in the long run (friendship breakupssuck!
), but it also helps you build better and long-lasting friendships.
A friend who has your back should offer you consistent and unwavering support.
They respect your boundaries and the decisions that you make, whether they agree with them or not.
Your thoughts and words should matter.
And they should be happy for you and want to see you do well.
These are signs of a person who genuinely cares.
In essence, it conveys an altruistic and sympathetic viewpoint toward you with no hidden agenda.
2020;177(10):944-954. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19111158
