Having friends is an essential part of everyone’s life. They are the family that we choose. We share our happiness, sorrows, secrets, and every little detail with them. However, sometimes, the people with whom we share our life become toxic for us.

Although it is tough to accept that someone we consider our friend turned out to be toxic. The reality is that many friendships can be unhealthy and can cause harm to our mental health and overall well-being.

What is a Toxic Friendship?

A toxic friendship is like a poisonous plant that you keep watering and nurturing, knowing well that it’s harmful to you. It is an unhealthy relationship that takes a toll on your emotional well-being, self-esteem, and mental health.

The toxic friend tends to be critical, judgmental, and controlling. They may undermine you, belittle you, or even insult you regularly. They can be overly demanding or not supportive enough. They can take advantage of you, play victim, or manipulate you for their benefit.

Toxic friends tend to be inconsistent and unpredictable in their behavior, which makes you constantly anxious and on edge.

Here are ten clear signs of toxic friendship that you should know to protect your well-being.

1. They Constantly Criticize You

A toxic friend always finds fault in everything you do. They are overly critical and judgmental about your appearance, your clothes, your work, and even your life choices. They make you feel inadequate, insecure, and vulnerable.

They never give you positive feedback or acknowledge your achievements, which brings down your self-esteem.

2. They Are Jealous of Your Success

Toxic friends cannot tolerate your success or happiness. They feel threatened by your achievements or growth. They may undermine your efforts, downplay your accomplishments, or even sabotage your success.

They want to be better than you, and if they can’t, they would instead bring you down to their level.

3. They Are Always Negative and Pessimistic

Toxic friends have a negative outlook on life. They are always complaining, whining, or blaming others for their problems. They can drain your energy and motivation with their constant negativity and pessimism.

They can make even the most comfortable situation look terrible and make you feel hopeless and helpless.

4. They Are Controlling and Manipulative

Toxic friends tend to be controlling and manipulative. They want things done their way, and if you disagree, they become angry or resentful. They can use guilt-trips, emotional blackmail, or even threats to get what they want from you.

They can also play the victim or use your weaknesses against you to manipulate you.

5. They Disrespect Your Boundaries

Toxic friends tend to cross your boundaries and violate your privacy. They may show up uninvited, read your messages, or eavesdrop on your conversations.

They may pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do, or share your personal information without your consent. They do not respect your space, time or feelings.

6. They Are Inconsistent in Their Behavior

Toxic friends are unpredictable, inconsistent and unreliable. They can cancel plans at the last minute, not show up, or be late without any explanation. They can promise you something and then do the opposite.

They can be your best friend one day and then ignore you the next day. This inconsistency in their behavior can make you feel confused, anxious, and insecure.

7. They Use You for Their Benefit

Toxic friends can take advantage of your kindness, generosity, or resources. They may borrow money and not return it, use your car without permission, or ask for favors that are unreasonable or inconvenient for you.

They may also use your connections, network, or reputation to benefit themselves without giving you credit or appreciation.

8. They Are Not Supportive When You Need Them

Toxic friends tend to be not supportive when you need them the most. They may not listen to your problems, ignore your calls or messages, or even dismiss your feelings.

They may also downplay your struggles, undermine your emotions, or even blame you for your problems. This lack of empathy and support can make you feel alone, isolated, and hopeless.

9. They Are Competitive and Comparing

Toxic friends can be competitive and always comparing themselves to you. They may nitpick your flaws, highlight your weaknesses, or even put you down to make themselves look better.

They may brag about their achievements, possessions, or relationships to show you that they are doing better than you. This constant comparison can make you feel inferior, jealous, or resentful.

10. They Don’t Apologize or Take Responsibility

Toxic friends find it difficult to apologize or take responsibility for their mistakes. They may blame you, others, or even circumstances for their behavior.

They may minimize or deny their contribution to the issue, or even gaslight you into thinking that you are the problem. They refuse to change their behavior or make amends, which can make the relationship even more toxic.

Conclusion

It’s essential to be aware of the signs of toxic friendship to protect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you identify any of these signs in your friendship, it’s time to address the issue or leave the relationship.

Remember, you deserve to have friends who support, respect, and uplift you, not those who bring you down.