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Toxic Friendships

We all had one at some point.

By Camille BallentinePublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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During our lifetime, we will have many friendships. Some may stick around while some might just be for a little bit. As humans, we like to have a connection to others whether it be friendship or a romantic relationship. Sometimes, though, a friendship could be just as toxic as a bad romantic relationship; it will also hurt just as bad.

A lot of us do not like to think that the people we call friends are bad people. Why would we want to be friends with people who will only be toxic to us? We hope that the people we hold dear love us just as we love them, and hold our best interest. But sometimes that is not the case, some friendships lead to heartache, loss of money or items, or a stab in the back. So how can we tell if a friendship is toxic? Well, there are a few signs to look out for.

Slowly Draining You of Money or Other Things

We all fall on hard times, and that is ok because life has its ups and downs. When we fall during these hard times we often look to family and friends to help us pull through. It's alright to get help here and there, no shame in admitting you are in a tough spot.

But when you are always giving money to a friend, who seems to be doing alright, who never seems to repay you, or offer anything else it will start to be a problem, when the only time you see them is when they need something like a few extra bucks or something you own, you are being used.

These people know who will give in and let them get whatever they want, whenever they want. You are on the list of people they hit up only when they need something.

It is time to say no, and when you do you will see they are really not a good friend.

You can't trust them.

Friendship is built on trust—you should be able to trust your friend with almost anything. While sharing things in common is good for any friendship, it is also important to be able to trust your friend to have your back or keep your secrets safe.

If you find out your friend has been talking behind your back, spilling things that they shouldn't about your life, it is time to break off the friendship. They are showing they do not care about your feelings. It also is a reminder that nothing is safe with them. Dark secrets will easily be told to others you wish did not know. It is better to lose all contact with them.

Just Mean All the Time

We always say we want to know the truth, and deep down we really do. But telling the truth and just being mean are two different things. You can tell people what you honestly feel without being cruel. If you find yourself always being talked down to or made fun of by your friend, run for the hills.

Teasing and joking are common with friends. We all joke about the stuff we find funny with our friends, or tease them here and there, but if your friend does it all the time, they are tossing your past mistakes in your face to keep reminding you of your mess ups. If they know how you feel about something and keep bringing it up, they do not care about your feelings. They are enjoying the embarrassment and regret you feel when you are reminded.

They want to be your only friend.

Sometimes in a group of friends, it's common for a few people not to get along. We don't have to like everyone we come across. Sometimes people just don't click. There is a difference between not liking someone and just not liking anyone. If you start to notice that your friend is being mean or rude to every other friend you bring around, that is a sign of them chasing off other friends. They do not want to share you, and that is not healthy at all. It's ok to be best friends, but it is also very healthy to have other friends as well. If your friend cannot handle that you have other friends, it is time to end the friendship before you end up all alone.

Enough with the Drama

Life has its ups and downs, and we all have to deal with a bit of drama from time to time. No matter how much some of us hate drama we do have it occasionally. But if you find yourself in a never-ending sea of drama because your friend likes to pick fights, or if your friend like to meddle too much, it might be time to end the friendship. Drama and stress are not healthy to deal with all the time. And having a friend who causes nothing but the drama will push people away. If you do not like living a TV drama life, it is best to cut ties.

They don't like your boyfriend/girlfriend.

I am not saying that your partner and friend need to get along. It is great if they do! Like I have said, some people just don't click. It is ok to see each other at different times, or at least have them act nicely when everyone is together.

If your friend doesn't like your partner and is always pushing you to leave, it is time for that friendship to be over. If they do not have a valid reason and just try to fill your head with negative thoughts just to push you to do what they want, it is time to call it quits with your friend. Friends want to see friend happy and in a good healthy relationship. Friends do not try and destroy their friend's relationships unless there is abuse, cheating, or any other valid reason.

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About the Creator

Camille Ballentine

I am still finding my way in life.

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