Out With The Toxic! 5 Friendship Red Flags To Watch Out For
A lot has been said about red flags in relationships. In fact, the topic was all over social media with people sharing their opinions just a few weeks ago. And rightly so! After all, it’s important to watch out for red flags and cut toxic people out of your life, right? And we believe that should include your friends too, and not just your romantic connections. Because red flags in friendships are just as harmful, if not more. This is why we decided to share some signs that’ll help you think clearly and block that toxic friend for good.
Joking around with friends is one thing, but constantly being humiliated by them constantly under the pretense of a ‘special bond’ is not. It’s abuse. If your friend has been taunting you or passing snide comments in a joking way, it’s a big red flag. Also, if they’re nice to you when they’re just with you and start dropping insults in your address when in a group, that’s just as bad. Time to call them out and make it stop.
You Feel Drained
If you find yourself feeling drained after every conversation with your friend, chances are you’re in a toxic friendship. Your friends are supposed to make you feel good, happy and light and not the opposite. That’s a pretty big red flag right there!
The Only Reach Out To Vent
We all turn towards our friends to vent about our work, lives and relationships, however, look out for the one who only reaches out to you when they’re in a bad space. If your friend contacts you only if they’re facing difficulty in life and needs you to listen (and never available when it is the other way round), that’s not a healthy sign.
They Devalue Your Problems
Does your friend brush off your problems and say that it’s nothing every time you share something about your life? We’ve got news for you. No person who truly cares about you will ignore your problems and try to get out of listening or offering an advice. Anybody that does otherwise isn’t really a true friend, and you’d be better off without them.
They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries
If your friend continues to do or behave in a certain way that you don’t appreciate even after you’ve conveyed your feelings a zillion times, that’s a red flag. In a situation like this, it would be wise to convey your feelings directly. There are high chances they might get defensive and
continue to behave in the same manner. But, if this is someone who means a lot to you, try talking it through with them by conveying your feelings.
No friendship, old or new, is worth the agony. It’d do you good to cut off ties with your toxic friend and surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you.