Friendship is an integral part of human life. Friends are our confidantes, comrades, support systems, and sources of laughter and joy. However, not all friendships are healthy or positive.

Sometimes, we may find ourselves in the company of toxic friends who drain our energy, undermine our self-esteem, and bring negativity and drama into our lives.

It can be challenging to identify toxic friends because they often disguise their behavior as care or concern. However, recognizing the signs of toxic friendship is crucial to protecting our mental health and wellbeing.

In this article, we’ll share a 13-point checklist to help you spot and deal with toxic friends.

1. They’re Always Negative

Toxic friends have a way of bringing negativity and drama into every situation. They complain endlessly, criticize others, and make snide remarks. They seem to revel in misery and are never satisfied with anything.

If you find that your friend is always negative and pessimistic, it may be time to reassess the relationship.

2. They’re Jealous or Competitive

Healthy friendships are built on mutual trust and support. However, toxic friends may become jealous or competitive over your accomplishments, relationships, or successes.

They may undermine your achievements, belittle your efforts, or try to one-up you in every way. These behaviors can be damaging to your self-esteem and confidence, and you may need to distance yourself from such a friend.

3. They’re Selfish or Self-Centered

Toxic friends are often focused on their own needs and desires and may not consider your feelings or interests. They may monopolize conversations, interrupt you when you speak, or make everything about themselves.

If you find that your friend is always talking about themselves and disregards your needs or opinions, it may be a red flag for a toxic friendship.

4. They’re Controlling or Manipulative

Toxic friends may try to control or manipulate your behavior or decisions. They may pressure you into doing things you don’t want to do, criticize your choices, or use guilt trips to get their way.

They may also isolate you from other friends or family members to establish control over your life. If you find that your friend is always trying to control or manipulate you, it may be time to end the relationship.

5. They’re Demeaning or Disrespectful

Toxic friends may be demeaning or disrespectful towards you or others. They may mock your ideas, criticize your appearance, or make insensitive or offensive remarks. They may also disrespect your boundaries, ignore your requests, or dismiss your feelings.

If you find that your friend is routinely demeaning or disrespectful, it’s time to move on.

6. They’re Manipulative or Deceptive

Toxic friends may be manipulative or deceptive in their behavior. They may lie, gossip, or spread rumors about you or others. They may use emotional manipulation, such as guilt or shame, to get their way.

If you find that your friend is manipulative or deceptive, it’s essential to confront their behavior and decide whether to continue the relationship.

7. They’re Always Playing the Victim

Toxic friends may play the victim card frequently, claiming that the world is against them or blaming others for their problems. They may refuse to take responsibility for their actions or choices, making excuses for their behavior.

If you find that your friend is always playing the victim, it may be a warning sign of toxicity.

8. They’re Inconsistent or Unreliable

Toxic friends may make promises they can’t keep or fail to follow through on commitments. They may cancel plans at the last minute or show up late without explanation.

If you find that your friend is inconsistent or unreliable, it may be time to reassess the relationship.

9. They’re Overly Critical or Judgmental

Toxic friends may be overly critical or judgmental towards you or others. They may nitpick your flaws, criticize your choices, or judge your actions harshly. Their judgments can be damaging to your self-esteem and confidence.

If you find that your friend is overly critical or judgmental, it may be time to let them go.

10. They’re Always Asking for Favors

Toxic friendships can be one-sided, with one friend always taking and the other always giving. If you find that your friend is always asking for favors or help but never returns the favor, it may be time to set boundaries or walk away.

A healthy friendship should have a balance of give and take.

11. They’re Addicted to Drama

Toxic friends may thrive on drama, conflict, or chaos. They may create drama out of small issues, start arguments, or gossip constantly about others. If you find that your friend is addicted to drama, it may be time to distance yourself from them.

12. They’re Passive-Aggressive

Toxic friends may disguise their negative feelings or intentions with passive-aggressive behavior. They may say one thing but mean another, make backhanded compliments, or use sarcasm to express their displeasure.

If you find that your friend is passive-aggressive, it may be time to call them out on their behavior or end the relationship.

13. They’re Always Putting You Down

Toxic friends may put you down, find fault with everything you do, or criticize your choices. They may use insults, sarcasm, or passive-aggressive comments to make you feel small or inferior.

If you find that your friend is always putting you down, it’s essential to stand up for yourself and decide whether the friendship is worth keeping.

Conclusion

Friendships are critical to our mental health and wellbeing, but not all friendships are positive or healthy. Toxic friends can bring negativity, drama, and harm into our lives and drain our energy and self-esteem.

If you suspect that your friend may be toxic, it’s essential to recognize the signs and take steps to distance yourself or end the friendship. Remember, you deserve to have supportive and positive friendships that uplift and inspire you.