Our instincts are often renowned for always being right, and we certainly know the signs of a bad relationship when we see them. Although, that being said, we do at times end up ignoring our gut feelings and only realize how toxic they are when it's too late. Just like in relationships, there are red flags we can't ignore in our friendship group if we want our rapport to remain healthy. Read on to discover the 10 signs that you need to update your girl group and ditch certain members of it.
As in all relationships, whether romantic or friendly, there are highs and lows. However, the definition of a toxic relationship is when the ups and downs are too frequent that we start to suffer the consequences of it. If you notice that your friend's behavior has changed, then it may be time to distance yourself.
On the phone or during your outings, your pal only ever talks about themselves and no longer seems to care enough to ask you about your well-being. You no longer talk about your joys and heartbreaks together.
Your previous BFF only gives a sign of life when they need a favor from you, you should move on. You are no longer a confidante, but a tool to help them achieve their goals.
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A true friend knows (almost) everything about your life and story. Normally, you accept the fact that you feel vulnerable when you talk to them about your worries. But if you feel more judged than supported and listened to, that's a bad sign.
They no longer take the time to see you and always has better things to do, so you find yourself as an afterthought when they have nothing else to do.
You are the only one who makes an effort to stay in touch. Calls, texts, invitations, if you don't make the first move then you’ll never see each other.
They no longer tell you anything personal, or rather they tell you the same thing as their 500 virtual friends. You feel like you've lost your privileged status...
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Someone becomes toxic when they put you down. Normally this special person is supposed to be loyal, listen to you, comfort you and encourage you!
Everything you tell them is for their own good, but they no longer understand that. On the contrary, every time they feel upset or offended, it always leads to an argument.
In their eyes, you're a threat, so they never stop comparing your respective lives. Work, apartment, dress size; in short, they are jealous and try to play down your success and achievements.
They only talk about their other pals, of whom they draw a wonderful portrait. Funnily enough, they are kinder towards them, by praising their qualities. Everything they do makes you understand that the others are much better than you.
Our life is punctuated by encounters: ephemeral encounters, superficial friendships, but also sincere and deep friendships, and even childhood friendships. The latter are built on an unconscious pact of mutual aid, support, benevolent listening, and sharing of values built on common interests and affinities. If this pact can last over time, it can also break, because human nature is to evolve and reinvent itself. Life brings to everyone certain understandings of the world, and these may come to diverge.
Friendship is a source of happiness and health. Unfortunately, like all relationships, it can end for one reason or another, voluntarily or not. If this is the case, nothing prevents you from wanting to get back in touch one day. However, it is not so simple, and it is not a question of resuming the relationship as it was. It's also best not to pick up the relationship where it ended, with the same degree of intimacy. Indeed, you really need experience and time to build trust with another person, whether it's an old friend or a new friend. Therefore, you need to give things time, that's why it's better to reach out via text or email first because it gives the other person a chance to think. After all, everyone may have their reasons for not agreeing to reconnect; they may have a lot of friends, or they may be juggling work and personal issues.
Editor's note - The delicate task of breaking up with a friendEnding a relationship is never easy. The best way to make a breakup as smooth as possible is through non-violent communication. There is no need to list the other person's flaws and mistakes, but it is better to be transparent. Talk about your feelings and say things simply with sincerity and honesty. Clarity and diplomacy will make it possible to end a friendship without triggering a war. 🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... Let’s do it here and now! #BornToBeMe |
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Article presented by Katie M.
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"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
- Oscar Wilde
