Friendship is an important part of our lives, providing support, companionship and fun. But not all friendships are positive, and some can be downright toxic. Toxic friendships can have a serious negative impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. It is important for us to be aware of the red flags and get toxic people out of our lives, not only in terms of romance, but also in terms of friendship! A toxic friendship is just as dangerous as a toxic relationship.
Here are the signs of a toxic friendship to look out for:
1. They put you down
A toxic friend may constantly criticize or belittle your ideas, feelings, or actions, making you feel inadequate or inferior. if your friend puts you down too often and makes you feel unhappy, your friendship is not healthy.
2. One-sided or unequal friendships:
A toxic friend may only reach out to you when they need something, and may not be there for you when you need support or help. No relationship is really 50/50. However, if you're always the one giving your time, money, or other things, you may be in a toxic friendship.
3. Being manipulative
A toxic friend may try to manipulate or control you by making you feel guilty or responsible for their problems or emotions. They may use guilt trips, emotional blackmail, or other tactics to make you feel obligated to do what they want. They may also try to control your behavior, friendships, or activities. But they know when to be nice, so their friends won't accuse them of being toxic.
4. They Don't Respect Your Boundaries
Toxic friends have no respect for your boundaries or personal space. They violate your privacy, ignore your requests, or pressure you to do things you don't like. They may also ignore your opinions or feelings, or make you feel guilty for speaking up.
5. Selfish