You might have a person in your life that each time you meet them or talk to them you feel like your energy was drained. This person might give subtle comments, make cynical jokes or use sarcasm a lot that will make you feel exhausted after each encounter with them
Regardless of what they do, it just makes you feel bad in the end. It is important to realize that you actually might be involved in a toxic friendship which is everything but beneficial for you. Friends should be people who are there for us and who we never want to avoid. Here are some of the signs why a friendship becomes toxic.
1. Everything is about them
A toxic person never cares about other people’s feelings and everyday activities. All of the conversations with this person revolve around them and don’t make any point. They will always turn the conversation about them and never about you. This kind of friendship will make you feel frustrated and unappreciated because friends should be the ones you share your secrets with. If you are unable to confide in the person you consider a friend, then you are in a toxic friendship.
2. This person responds to all your concerns with “at least”
You share your awful day at work with them, and all they have to say is “At least you have a job”. Or you are devastated about your recent miscarriage and they might respond with “At least you can get pregnant”. This is a common thing toxic people do to reduce the significance of your problems making you feel misunderstood and that it is wrong to feel bad about your current situation. A real friend will always hear you out and will understand how you feel and will also help you find solutions during hard times.
3. They are only around when they need something
If there is a person that only shows up when they need a favor or something else from you, it is definitely a toxic person. We often get busy and we don’t have enough time to have fun with friends, so we only contact them in times of need. But, it is important whether your friend will also be there for you when you need them. A friendship is a two-way street, never forget that.
4. They constantly criticize everything about you
They find something about you to criticize such ash your clothes, hobbies, diet etc. A caring friend will point out the things about you they don’t agree with, but they will always be careful about not hurting your feelings and will have good intentions. Caring and criticizing are completely different things. If someone criticizes you harshly without any respect and also without proposing any solution, they are a toxic person you don’t need in your life.
5. You are always careful around them
Sharing your good news, worries and hopes is never difficult when you do that with a true friend. If you are worried about a person’s response to your news, they are a toxic person with unpredictable reactions. Deep down you know they are not good for you which is why you carefully choose your words when trying to make an announcement. A good friend, on the other hand, will never judge you for not choosing your words because they will not judge you for that.
6. They break your trust
A toxic person is also someone who will betray your trust a lot of times. Good friends are here to keep your thoughts, secrets and feelings safe because they know if they don’t, they are betraying you. But, with toxic people, it is difficult to be sincere because unless they open up to you, it is hard to share anything with them. They often misuse your trust and such behavior is hard to overcome.