Friendships are super important, but sometimes they can turn sour. It’s essential to know the red flags that might indicate you're in a toxic friendship. Here are some signs to watch for!
First up, if a friend constantly puts you down or makes you feel bad about yourself, that's a major red flag. Friends should lift each other up, not tear each other down. If you notice that you leave conversations feeling worse about yourself, it might be time to reassess that friendship.
Another sign is when a friend is always needy and expects you to drop everything for them. It’s great to be there for each other, but if it feels one-sided, that can create a lot of unnecessary pressure. Healthy friendships are about mutual support!
Watch out for friends who are jealous or competitive. If they can't celebrate your successes or get mad when you do well, that's not cool. Friends should be your biggest cheerleaders, not your competition. A healthy friendship allows both people to shine!
Also, pay attention to how you feel around this friend. If you often feel anxious or stressed after hanging out, that's a big warning sign. Friends should make you feel safe and happy, not on edge. Trust your gut feeling—if something seems off, it probably is.
Finally, if a friend is unreliable and frequently cancels plans or doesn’t respect your time, it could indicate a lack of commitment to the friendship. Everyone gets busy, but consistent flakiness can be a sign that they don’t value your friendship as much as you do.
Being aware of these red flags helps you protect your mental health and social circle. You deserve friendships that uplift you and bring joy into your life, so keep an eye out for these signs and trust your instincts!