by Friendships are meant to make you happy and help you grow while toxic friendships hold you back. Some can slowly drain your energy and hold you back. A toxic friend might not look harmful at first, but over time, they can damage your confidence and peace of mind.
Here are five clear signs that your friendship may be toxic.
1. They Always Make You Feel Less Than
A good friend celebrates your success. But a toxic friend often makes you doubt yourself.
When you share something exciting, they change the topic or act unimpressed. Sometimes, they even compete with you instead of cheering for you.
👉 If you keep feeling small or unimportant around them, it’s a warning sign.
Related: https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-of-a-toxic-friend-8430982
2. You Give More Than You Receive
Healthy friendship is about balance. You shouldn’t be the only one putting in effort.
If you’re always the one calling, checking in, or helping out, it can feel one-sided. Over time, this becomes emotionally draining.
Remember, you deserve relationships that pour into you too, not ones that leave you empty.
3. They Use Guilt to Control You
Toxic friends often use guilt to get what they want. When you say “no,” they make you feel bad with phrases like “You’ve changed” or “I thought we were closer than this.”
But setting boundaries isn’t wrong. In fact, boundaries protect your peace. A true friend will respect your limits, not punish you for them.
4. You Feel Drained After Spending Time Together
Pay attention to your emotions.
After hanging out with them, do you feel relaxed or exhausted? Do you laugh and feel free, or do you leave feeling anxious and unsure of yourself?
Good friends recharge your spirit. Toxic ones drain your energy and confidence.
If your body and mind feel tense around someone, take that as a sign.
5. They Don’t Want You to Grow
Real friends want to see you become better. 10 Powerful Life Lessons Every Teen Should Learn Before 20 explores how to grow into your best version. Toxic ones prefer you to stay the same or beneath them.
Once you start improving — maybe you gain confidence, get a new job, or start setting boundaries — they become distant or jealous.
Growth can reveal who truly supports you. And sometimes, that truth hurts.
But don’t stop growing just to keep someone comfortable.
How to Move Forward
Letting go of a toxic friend is hard, especially if you’ve shared a lot of memories. You might feel guilty or afraid of being alone.
Still, peace is better than pretending. Healing starts when you choose yourself.
Surround yourself with people who bring out your best. Real friendship feels safe, supportive, and full of joy — not confusion or pain.
If you don’t know how to deal with a toxic friend https://www.verywellmind.com offers practical advice on how to deal with a toxic friend.
