Our best friends are the family we get to choose on this journey we call life. They are those we call our other halves and the ones that are there for us when we need them the most. They are the ones who help us become the best of version of ourselves and create great memories along the way too.
Every friendship has its downsides though; the fights, the arguments and the misunderstandings are big factors. But what happens when that strong friendship brings out the worst in us and somehow makes us realize we have been ignoring its toxic side?
Here are 5 signs your best friend is toxic:
They’re belittling your achievements
The first thing you want to do when you succeed in something is call your best friend and share the good news! But when they brush off your news and act like it’s not a big deal, when in reality they should be jumping for joy with you no matter how big or small the achievement, is sadly a sign that your best friend is toxic.
They put you down to impress someone else
We all become somewhat different personalities in front of people we like, which is valid to some extent. We’re all human after all. However, there is a fine line between trying to impress someone and putting someone else down in the process.
If your best friend is making fun of you or letting that person take advantage of you, that’s not someone you should be friends with, because clearly they’re not thinking about your feelings.
They gaslight and judge you
Brutal honesty is a must in a friendship, you can’t build a friendship based on lies. Remember, your best friend will always be honest with you about the decisions you make and the outfits you wear. But then there is brutal honesty and straight up rudeness.
If your best friend constantly makes you feel extremely bad for the decisions you make, they’re judging you and making you feel less than average. When you call them out for making you feel bad, their reactions mostly revolve around “I’m just looking out for you” or “I’m being brutally honest, deal with it“. You don’t need to endure their hurtful ways.
They’re controlling
To be the best version of yourself, you have to do that on your own first. Best friends are there to create great memories and be a shoulder to cry on. They’re not your therapists, parents or a guide to a better life.
It’s a sign they’re controlling if they’re constantly criticizing you, talking down to you, or holding grudges against you. They tend to keep score of their achievements over yours and get jealous of your success.
They make everything about themselves
Everyone is allowed to be self-obsessed to an extent. It builds character and confidence. There is a time and place for loving yourself a little too much but the world does not revolve around you all the time.
If your best friend happens to turn your story around or rant about themselves, they don’t really have the time of day to care for your feelings. If the story does not involve them in any way and they happen to take the spotlight from you, we would like to offer you some advice and tell you to pick a better and more supportive friend.
Our best friend is our comfort person but that doesn’t mean we should allow them to drain and disrespect us. Practice saying no, know your worth and always stand up for yourself.
