There’s something about sharing a cosmic connection to another person that is sacredly special. Friendships often bring love, comfort, and reassurance in a world full of chaos. Although navigating through friendships is complex and multifaceted.
We’re all imperfect humans that make mistakes, however, certain things are unforgivable in friendships. A lesson I learned the hard way.
Staying in questionable relationships out of fear of upsetting the status quo is emotionally draining. Toxic friendships are harmful yet the signs of troubling friendships go undetected or ignored. This kind of “friendship” usually sneaks up on people since the signs are usually subtle or worse, we don’t want to admit it.
Denial is easier to manage than confronting conflict especially with toxic best friends, it’s worse because of the shared history. Be that as it may, just because you have a history with someone doesn’t mean that they’re good for you.
I previously thought I shared a kindred ship with someone I considered a close friend throughout the years, then I noticed signs of toxicity. Several signs include but are not limited to:
- Giving more than what you get
- You don’t trust them
- They make you feel uncomfortable being around them
- They make you feel small
- They’re jealous (not excited when you succeed or happy when you fail)
- Manipulative
- Exhausting
- Trash-talking
- Not liking yourself when you’re around them
- You’re embarrassed by their behavior towards others
- You make excuses for them
- You feel used
Friendship toxicity is corrosive to your self-perception and fractures your self-esteem, you should know when enough is enough.
Real friendships are meant to be healthy, supportive, and bring out the best in one another. That’s how some of my really close friends helped me realize the red flags I ignored. No one should settle for less than they deserve in relationships and friendships.
The best way to deal with destructive friends is to emotionally cut them out of your life, poisonous friendships don’t magically change or evolve.
Surround yourself with people who deserve your friendship and time. You owe it to yourself to not put up with bad behavior after all the relationship you have with yourself is far more important.
