Friendship is an invaluable part of life. True friends provide support, love, and laughter, making our lives richer and more enjoyable. However, not all friendships are healthy and positive.

In some cases, friendships can turn toxic, causing significant harm to your mental and emotional wellbeing. It is crucial to identify the warning signs of a toxic friendship and take appropriate action to protect yourself. In this article, we will discuss 13 obvious red flags of a toxic friendship that you should never ignore.

1. Constant Criticism

A toxic friend may constantly criticize you, belittle your achievements, and make you feel inadequate. They may undermine your confidence and self-esteem. Remember, a true friend will uplift and support you, not tear you down.

2. Lack of Trust and Respect

A toxic friendship lacks trust and respect. A friend who constantly lies, breaks promises, and violates your trust is not someone you can rely on.

Furthermore, a toxic friend may not respect your boundaries or opinions, often dismissing them without consideration.

3. Manipulative Behavior

If your friend frequently manipulates and controls you, it is a clear red flag. They may guilt-trip you into doing things you don’t want to do, exploit your emotions, or use you for their benefit without reciprocating.

It’s essential not to overlook these manipulative tactics.

4. Jealousy and Sabotage

A toxic friend may become excessively jealous of your accomplishments or happiness. They might try to undermine your success, sabotage your relationships, or deliberately make you feel inferior.

True friends celebrate our achievements and support our growth.

5. Constant Drama and Negativity

If your friendship is consistently filled with drama, conflicts, and negativity, it may be a sign of toxicity. Constantly being surrounded by negativity can drain your energy and impact your mental wellbeing.

Genuine friendships should bring joy and positivity to your life.

6. Lack of Reciprocity

Friendship is a two-way street. If you notice that your friend never puts in the effort to initiate plans, reach out, or offer support, it may be a red flag. Healthy friendships require mutual effort and reciprocity.

7. Emotional Drain

Do you always feel emotionally drained after spending time with your friend? A toxic friend tends to unload their problems onto you without considering your emotional state. They may consistently prioritize their needs while neglecting yours.

8. Unreliable and Disloyal

If your friend is consistently unreliable, cancels plans last minute, or betrays your trust, it’s time to reevaluate the friendship. True friends are dependable and loyal, and they value your time and trust.

9. Controlling and Possessive

A toxic friend may exhibit controlling and possessive behavior, dictating who you can spend time with or what you should do. They may isolate you from other friends or family members, making you entirely reliant on them for social interaction.

10. Lack of Empathy

A lack of empathy is a significant red flag in any friendship. If your friend consistently dismisses your feelings, lacks compassion, or minimizes your struggles, they may not be capable of providing genuine emotional support.

Surround yourself with friends who are empathetic and understanding.

11. Constant Competition

A toxic friend often turns friendship into a competition. They may always try to outdo you, steal the spotlight, or make everything about themselves. Healthy friendships embrace cooperation, collaboration, and support.

12. They Gossip About You

A true friend will never gossip or spread rumors about you. However, a toxic friend may gossip behind your back, betraying your trust and damaging your reputation. Trust and honesty are the foundations of a healthy friendship.

13. Gaslighting

If your friend consistently manipulates your perception of reality, making you doubt your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences, they may be gaslighting you.

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that can be incredibly damaging to your mental health. It is crucial to distance yourself from such toxic individuals.

Recognizing these 13 obvious red flags of a toxic friendship is the first step towards protecting your wellbeing. Remember, it is never selfish to prioritize your mental and emotional health.

Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive friendships will lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.