Building relationships with people is part of life. We all form strong friendships that make our lives healthier and happier. However, some friendships may be more harmful than they are helpful. It’s important to notice signs that your relationship is toxic so you don’t let them affect you for the worse. Breaking up isn’t just for romantic partners. Here’s how to know if it’s time to cut ties.
1. They Use You.
While a friend who depends on you doesn’t seem like cause for concern, too much neediness can exhaust you and use up one of your most important resources: time. Women tend to rely on their friends more heavily for emotional sustenance, but if someone is constantly depending on you, that’s when it’s toxic.
2. They Are Constantly Negative.
There’s nothing worse than being super excited about a new job, house, or other life event and then having a friend immediately tell you it’s not that amazing and you shouldn’t be so happy about it. If they’re projecting their negativity onto you and and bringing you down, you have to look out for yourself, too.
3. You’re Both In Constant Conflict.
When you and your friend are always arguing all the time, that’s definitely cause for concern. Conflict can manifest in other places, like your schedules. If your friend doesn’t make time for you the way you carve out time for her, then she might not value your friendship.
4. They Can’t See Their Own Flaws.
You finally confront your friend for being accusatory and demeaning, and she fires back with, “You’re too sensitive!” A good friend should seem open-minded and willing to acknowledge problems. If the response shows they don’t get it, then you know this relationship is not one you want to continue.
5. They Betray Your Trust.
People get very invested in their friends because they share so much of their lives with them. So, when your friend betrays that bond, don’t ignore a gut feeling that tells you it’s a big deal. Trust isn’t trivial, and any betrayal is a sign to reevaluate the relationship.
6. Its All About Them.
They always call you when something is wrong with them but never seem to have time for you when you have a problem. They expect you to be there for them when something goes wrong but are nowhere to be found when you need help. Friends who do this leave you feeling more lonely than you realize.
7. They Get Mad At You Easily.
It’s perfectly normal to experience friction and have arguments in your relationships. Toxic friends seem to always get angry with you for the smallest things you do. Any argument that you have always leaves you feeling guilty and apologetic. Friends like this are toxic because they aren’t able to work out problems in a mature way.
8. They Never Consider Your Feelings.
Friends who never consider how their actions or words affect you are toxic to be around. They do things to benefit themselves even if it means your feelings are being compromised. it’s unhealthy to have people like this in your life because you should surround yourself with people who don’t better themselves at the expense of others.
9. They Are Bad News.
When you’re around them, they pressure you into doing things you aren’t comfortable and make you feel like a loser when you don’t do them. It’s good to be around people who encourage you to try new things but it becomes toxic when they are forcing you to do things.
10. They Aren’t Willing To Change.
Human beings are constantly changing. Change is important in relationships. To maintain relationships and grow as people you should be able to change and adapt to each other to an extent that is beneficial to both of you. Friends who are set in their ways, which may not necessarily be right, and don’t attempt to change and grow are toxic to your life.
