7 warnings signs that you have a toxic friendship

These people will show their real colors in a few key ways, say the therapists.


Friendship is an integral part of life - and some even consider friends the family you can choose. Your friends are there to support and build you, but unfortunately it is not always the case . Sometimes people separate and friendships are naturally moving away, but other times your friend can point out that they do not have your interests at heart. According to the therapists, if you notice some key warning signs, you may have a toxic friendship in your hands.

"A toxic friendship is the one in which you feel used, makes you feel worse in your skin and / or is more and more like a burden," Beth Ribarsky , PHD, professor of Interpersonal communication At the University of Illinois Springfield, says Better life . "Without a doubt, relationships reflected and flowing, so there are moments when we give more to a relationship that we do not take, but toxic relationships are continuously lifting our emotional and physical energy."

If you think you may be involved in a toxic friendship, you will want to remedy it as soon as possible. Read the rest for seven warning signs that your friendship does more harm than good.

Read this then: 7 Signs of body language which means that someone is lying, according to therapists and lawyers .

7 signs you have a toxic friendship

1. They do not respect your limits.

looking over at friend's phone
Prostock-Studio / Shutterstock

In any situation, the limits are a must, but a toxic friend is likely to ignore everything you define.

"In a healthy friendship, the two individuals respect the borders, the personal space and the individuality of each", " David Tzall , Psyd, approved psychologist explain. "However, in a toxic friendship, a person can constantly ignore or violate the boundaries of the other person, whether invading their private life, putting them pressure in unwanted activities or by lacking respect for their values."

Clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly , PHD, also has bad boundaries on its list of warning panels, noting that these people tend to take advantage of others. "In general, a toxic friend will not often meet your needs and your desires," she said.

2. They are constantly trying to hear you.

woman getting annoying with friend
Motorcycle / Shutterstock movies

Your friends should be your biggest cheerleader, so if someone in your inner circle is not interested in fulfilling this role, this should send red flags.

"A toxic friend will burst your bubble when you celebrate or draw attention to themselves," said Ribarsky. "If you have just noted a new job, they will discredit it by saying something like:" I am surprised that they hire someone like you "or if you have worked harder, I am sure you could have get something better. '"

Likewise, if you live something rupture , they are quick to say that they had it just as bad - or worse, warns Ribarsky.

You may also feel like your friend is constantly trying to compete with you, according to Tzall.

"When a friendship becomes a constant battle for comparison and competition rather than a favorable and edifying relationship, this can be harmful," he said. "Friends should celebrate the successes of the other rather than feeling threatened or envious."

Read this then: 5 red flags on emojis that your partner sends SMS, according to therapists .

3. They empty you emotionally.

indifference in friendship
Prostock-Studio / Shutterstock

It is important to be there for your friends, but things become risky when a relationship really starts to weigh you.

"Toxic friendships often involve a person who constantly brings negativity, drama and emotional disorders in the relationship," explains Tzall. "They can be excessively in need, always complain or not want to support the other person during difficult times." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

To complicate things more, they prefer to complain than actively solving their problems.

"Toxic friends tend to not want to invest time and energy in problem solving; communicative and collaborative , "Said Manly.

4. They use you.

pretending to support friend
Prostock-Studio / Shutterstock

Toxic friends also tend to prefer to see you or talk to you when it suits them, letting you feel after the fact.

"These friends expect you to be there every time they need you, whether it be to answer their text / call or help them move," said Ribarsky. "Often you will only hear them when they need something. However, when you need a shoulder to cry or other Gaslight You Thinking that you are too needy. ""

These friends can also you ghost When you need it most.

"A toxic friend often disappears when real life settles down," says Manly. "If things become stimulating or complicated, a toxic friend will often be the first to leave or change allegiance."

And in general, they will not account for your kindness or generosity, according to Tzall. In fact, they could choose to be nice only when it serves them.

Read this then: 6 red flags that come out the cheating, the therapists warn .

5. They are jealous.

man jealous of friend
Fizkes / Istock

A toxic friend could be threatened by other people in your life - and they will let you know.

"They will be sure to put your other romantic friends or partners to try to show how they are superior," explains Ribarsky. "Or, they will make you feel bad if you spend time with other people without them."

6. They don't have their backs.

gossiping about coworker
Kzenon / Shutterstock

You should be able to count on your friends to have your back both when you are together and when you are separated. But toxic friends do not throw you quickly under the bus whenever they wish.

"Loyalty is not a priority for these people; such friends will support or defend you if it is easy and practical - or if it makes them beautiful," says Manly.

Even more, they are not trustworthy when you dispute.

"Confidence is the foundation of all healthy friendship," said Tzall. "If a person constantly breaks promises, gossip or rumors distributed or betrays the confidence of the other person, this can create a toxic environment. Being a flarewoman and a lie directly are also signs."

For more friendship advice delivered directly in your reception box, Register for our daily newsletter .

7. They don't feel good about yourself.

man feeling badly about himself
Simona Pilolla 2 / Shutterstock

At the end of the day, friendships should make you happy and fulfilled. If this is not the case, it is worth examining your relationship.

"Toxic friends often stimulate their own bad self -esteem by consciously and unconsciously degrading others," explains Manly. "Under the pretext of joking or" just being funny ", toxic friends often use sarcasm and other passive-aggressive behaviors."


The first signs you have Long Covid, according to doctors
The first signs you have Long Covid, according to doctors
Celeb children who are not dressed their age
Celeb children who are not dressed their age
The 20 worst rental cars for the last 20 years have been classified
The 20 worst rental cars for the last 20 years have been classified