The Red Flags of Toxic Friendships and How to Move On

Friendships can be some of the most fulfilling relationships one can experience. A good friend is someone who listens, supports, and encourages us when we need it the most. They are loyal and understanding and will always have our back no matter what. A friend provides a sense of comfort and safety, while also offering insight into new perspectives and ideas. One of the greatest gifts that friendship brings is being able to share life’s joys and sorrows with someone else. True friends accept all facets of each other, flaws, quirks, and all.

The foundation of any great friendship is built on trust, respect, and loyalty. It takes time to get to know someone well enough to be able to trust in them without question or doubt. Respect plays a large part in nurturing a meaningful connection with another person as it conveys admiration for their beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and decisions. Loyalty helps foster an emotional bond between two people through support during times of trouble or hardship in addition to celebrating successes along with them.

Toxic friendships are personal relationships that have a negative effect on your mental and physical health. Often these types of relationships exist for a long time before we realize their true intentions and can be difficult to leave behind. Toxic friends tend to manipulate, criticize, neglect, or belittle us in order to feel better about themselves. They may make us feel unworthy or undeserving of respect and love. It’s important to understand the signs of a toxic friendship so that you can take action when necessary and maintain healthy relationships that benefit both parties.

It’s Time to Let Go: 6 Signs You’re in a Toxic Friendship

1. They Put You Down Regularly

It can be difficult to know when it’s time to let go of a toxic friendship, especially if they have always been in your life. One sure sign that it might be time to move on is when your friend makes fun of you or calls you out on everything. No one should ever make you feel bad about who you are, this is a clear sign that the person has no respect for you and does not value friendship as much as you do.

It can be hard to end a relationship with someone that has been close for a long time, but it is important to remember that there are people out there who will respect and appreciate who you are. Letting go of the toxic elements in your life creates space for healthier and more positive relationships.

2. Unreasonable Demands

Constantly being asked for more than what is reasonable can be a sign that it’s time to end a toxic friendship. If your friend is constantly demanding more of your time and resources without providing anything in return, it could be a sign that their expectations are too high and the relationship needs to be ended. It is important to know when it is time to distance yourself from someone who does not have your best interests at heart and will not appreciate any effort you make for them.

3. Selfishness

Selfishness can be a sign that it’s time to cut ties with a friend. If someone only seems to care about their own interests and desires, they likely will not make a good friend. They can often lead us into toxic situations and becoming aware of this is the first step to avoiding such circumstances. It is important to recognize when someone is being selfish and take action if necessary in order to protect yourself and your well-being.

4. Lies

Lies can be a sign that a friendship is not built on trust. If someone lies to you on a regular basis, it could be an indication that they do not respect or value your trustworthiness and could signify deeper issues in the relationship. It is important to pay attention to how your friends treat you, as dishonesty can lead to more serious consequences than just feeling betrayed. Taking action and confronting this type of behavior is necessary in order to protect yourself from further harm.

5. Feeling Unsafe

Feeling unsafe or uncomfortable in a friendship is never okay. If someone’s words or actions make you feel threatened in any way, it’s important to take action and remove them from your life. Allowing these feelings to linger can be damaging to your mental health and overall well-being and it’s essential to prioritize self-care over potential negative consequences of the relationship. It is important to remember that your safety is paramount and should always come first.

6. It’s consistently a one-sided friendship

If a friendship is consistently one-sided, it’s important to take stock of the situation and consider whether the relationship is still beneficial. Oftentimes, you may find that other people are taking more out of the connection than they are giving back, leaving you feeling frustrated and unfulfilled. In such situations, it is essential to engage in honest self-reflection about how much effort you are putting in versus what you are receiving from the other person. It’s okay to step back from a friendship if you don’t feel that it serves your needs anymore, often, your best interests will be better served by establishing a healthier connection with someone else