Being in a manipulative and toxic friendship can be just as heartbreaking as a manipulative relationship. It has the same negative effects on our wellbeing and the worst thing is that we often don’t even realize we are dealing with a toxic person.
Creating a solid and lasting friendship is hard work and it needs lots of trust, unconditional love and transparency. However, if someone is using your good behavior to take advantage of you, you are much better off without them. If you are not sure how you can tell when a friendship is toxic, here are 5 clear signs that can help you figure out.
1. Passive aggressive behavior
This person will never have a face to face conversation with you when something is wrong. They will introduce a third person in the conversation who will make you think your friend is disappointed with you and will take their side. This will leave you feeling anxious and doubtful of yourself.
2. You never have a two-way conversation
Whenever you meet with this person, the conversation is never about you, and always about their emotions and feelings. You never get a chance to speak and tell how you feel and they will go on and on talking about their life. Never settle for such a friendship, because you deserve someone who is just as interested in your life as you are in theirs.
3. They try to dominate you
This person will always make you feel inferior to them and you will never be allowed to make important decisions. They will invite you over to their apartment but will never come over at your place. This is because they like flaunting about their materialistic possessions. Toxic people think the world revolves around them and you are just another puppet in their life. Never waste your time with such a person. Just smile, nod and move on with your life without them.
4. They keep asking for help
Even though they constantly seek for your help, they will never be here for you when you need them. This is probably the most obvious sign that this person is just here to take advantage of you. They will always try to secure their position and will never even think about you when you are in trouble.
5. They blame you by playing the victim card
Once you confront them about their behavior, they will play the victim card. They might mention a particular situation and try to show that they are not to blame at all and present themselves as the victim of your actions. This is something manipulative people do to make you doubt yourself and your beliefs. Never let them make you doubt yourself and don’t let them get away with their dishonest behavior.
If you have noticed some of these traits in a person close to you, think about your relationship with this person closely. You deserve to be treated well and nobody should take advantage of your helpful nature and behavior. Friendship can be powerful enough to make or break you, but it is entirely your choice what will be the outcome.