What Is a Toxic Friend – Signs of an Unhealthy Friendship

We have all encountered it at some point in our lives- that one friend who always leaves us exhausted, emotionally drained, or feeling annoyed with ourselves for hanging out with them – the toxic friend. In reality, friends are meant to be trusted people outside the family to improve our well-being and life satisfaction. Good friends are present when things are happy or challenging and are always ready to offer constructive advice that enhances our lives. With the toxic ones, however, there is always mental or emotional damage.

er, there is always mental or emotional damage. If you are stuck in one of these and want to know if your friend is toxic, continue reading to learn further!

What is a Toxic Friendship?

Regular and healthy friendships are characterized by honesty, love, empathy, and trust. On the other hand, a toxic friendship is an unhealthy relationship characterized by deceit, mistrust, jealousy, dishonesty, or sabotaging. A toxic friendship is always one-sided, with one friend making all the efforts for being supportive and loyal while the mean-spirited or jealous toxic friend is always out to receive the goodwill but never reciprocate it. It can also go to the extent that the toxic friend sabotages opportunities for good to keep the other down.

1 The Drama Queen

While many people love having happy and peaceful relationships with their friends and family, some are addicted to drama and conflict. You can be sure to run into one of these friends at some point in your life- they are set off by the most trivial things- a spilled coffee, an unanswered phone call or text, or even an honest mistake. These kinds of friends revel in conflict and are always riding on an emotional rollercoaster. Being with this friend will often make it feel like you’re walking on eggshells all the time, and you find yourself apologizing too constantly or trying to solve nonexistent problems.

2. The User Friend

These types of friends are pretty standard – they show up only when they need something from you. Although users are often attracted to people with high status and resources, they would also use others for many reasons. You will often find them getting friendly and overly concerned just before they pop their question. They may ask whether they can use your rooftop deck, borrow your car, get invited to a party you are throwing, get a job in the company you are working for, or go out with you for free drinks. If you allow this behavior without talking to them about some reciprocation, it can become toxic soon.

3: The Pessimist

The pessimistic friend is the bringer of gloom who can’t pull themselves out of their sadness. They use every unfortunate event as an example to extrapolate about how things are always terrible, and life is complicated. This friend will also be envious of your good fortunes and constantly remind you that it could all end at any moment. Popularly known as the “Negative Nancy,” these people will always have negative opinions about everything and spread unhappiness everywhere they go. Their attitude could result from their problems in life, an acquired outlook from their family, or a result of an existing mental health condition such as depression

.4. The Friend Who is Only Around When Things Are Good

These are the types of friends who will only stick around when things are going well with you and as long as they can have fun. They seem to disappear into thin air the moment you face a challenge or respond with a complete lack of empathy when you are feeling sadness and pain. Although they are fun to be with, they do not form deep friendships with anyone and are only in it for what they can get. They cannot reciprocate warmth, kindness, or compassion and will refuse to listen to your “negativity” when you feel the need to share during your tough times.

5. The Competitor
The competitor is that jealous friend who is always trying to match you or outperform you at work, family, or life in general. If you come up with exciting news to share, they will always seem to have something better. If they find that you are getting ahead in your career, friendships, or romance, they might even try to sabotage you through various means. A competitor friend will always view you as a benchmark in their lives. Although they seem to be driven to surpass you, it is primarily their insecurities and lack of originality they are battling with at all times.

6. The Manipulator

Probably the most dangerous type of all, the manipulating friend needs to be dealt with caution as they will know every way to harm you or ruin your life. Although their intentions may seem genuine, it is all a facade to manipulate you into doing certain things or feeling a certain way. These types of people would control people for the sheer fun of it or any gain. It is hard to recognize these types, and it takes a while before you can understand their ways. Watch out for their attempts at Gaslighting, lying, blaming, or verbal gymnastics, as these are the clear signs of a manipulator.

Clear Signs You Have Toxic Friends.

1. You Are Not Important to Them
You will often find that your friendship is entirely one-sided. Although you shower them with attention and eagerly wait to be a part of their life, they treat you like you are not necessary for their life.

2. Your Problems Don’t Matter
A toxic friend will use up all the help you have to offer when they are in trouble. However, when you need them, they are nowhere to be found. They don’t care about your problems and only approach you for personal gain

3. It is Never Comfortable
Unlike with your other long-term loving friends, you are never at ease around your toxic friend. They will also drag you through uncomfortable situations you never asked to be a part of

4. They Gossip About You
You might be shocked that your friend said something behind your back that you did not expect. Gossiping behind the back is familiar with toxic friends, and you shouldn’t be surprised about it.

5. The Competitor
The competitor is that jealous friend who is always trying to match you or outperform you at work, family, or life in general. If you come up with exciting news to share, they will always seem to have something better. If they find that you are getting ahead in your career, friendships, or romance, they might even try to sabotage you through various means. A competitor friend will always view you as a benchmark in their lives. Although they seem to be driven to surpass you, it is primarily their insecurities and lack of originality they are battling with at all times.