They use your secrets against you. After disclosing something private to a friend, you should feel like you can trust them to keep it confidential. If you can't and even have reason to believe they might share that information with other people in order to hurt you, then you might have a fake friend in your midst.
You are not required to respect someone who does not respect you. If a fake friend is difficult to make plans or spend time with, it's okay to disengage. You can still be around this person, especially if you have to in groups, but it's okay to stop reaching out on a one-to-one level or engaging this friend's drama.
A toxic friendship may involve gossiping, pressuring you into things you do not want to do, or putting down your successes. Dealing with toxic friends can severely harm your physical and mental health. You may feel bad about yourself, or you might stress over how they may react.
Ms Needleman says that the impacts of a toxic relationship should not be underestimated. They can affect your sense of self and identity, damage your self-esteem, and even lead to feelings of depression and/or anxiety.
A real friend is someone that you can rely on. You know that they will keep their plans with you. You know that you can rely on them to show up for you when you need it. Real friends are people that have proven they will show up for you in the past and will continue to do so because you are a priority to them.
A real friend and fake friend can be hard to distinguish, but they are very different! Real friends are people you can go to for anything. You know they will always be on your side, through thick and thin. Fake friends might as well be scum of the Earth for all the support they will give you.
So dear fake friend, cheers to what we had and what we should have had. I hope you'll find a real friend who cares enough to tell you what you've done wrong. I hope he/she will stay by your side and help you grow like I never dare to.
Set up the trolling test.
If your classmate or coworker can't record the response, be the one to observe your friend while the unflattering scene unfolds. If your friend defends you, that's a great sign of loyalty but if they agree and start dissing you back, then you know this person isn't being a true friend.
You're not a priority.
Maybe they're hard to reach or don't seem interested. Sometimes, there's a temporary reason, like if your friend just had a baby and is busier than before. But if you rarely feel like a priority or if you sense that your friend doesn't think you're worth their time, it's best to move on.
If you have a fake friend, it's best to break ties with them by distancing yourself or telling them your friendship is over. In the meantime, focus on finding real friends who are truly there for you. Check out the tips below to learn how to spot fake friends and avoid them in the future.
If the fake friend will not listen to your concerns and is defensive when you talk about your needs and boundaries, it is time to let go. Life is too short to hang onto a fake friendship that can turn into a toxic relationship.
A study from 2016 revealed that only about 50 percent of your friendships are actually real friends. That means half of the people you consider a friend probably don't feel the same about you.
Obviously, most people don't meet all of their friends during childhood and, unfortunately, not all friendships last forever. The poll found that the average friendship lasts for 17 years, however, 17 percent say they've had the same best friend for over 30 years!
True friends aren't in the business of making you feel bad about yourself. They communicate with words of kindness, not cruelty. They focus on your similarities, not your differences.
6. List five ways friends can be a bad influence on each other. Any five of the following: they can encourage each other to smoke, drink, try drugs, be sexually active, cheat, lie, steal, bully, be lazy, not do their homework, etc.
May Lead to Depression
Stress and anxiety are the main cause of depression. With fake friends around you don't have anyone to share your feelings or speak up your mind. They always look down on you and make you feel worthless. This leads you to isolate yourself and may also push you to depression.
They Tease or Insult You Regularly
The next time your friend insults you, let them know it hurts your feelings. A genuine friend will apologize and stop the behavior. A toxic friend will likely accuse you of being sensitive, insist you're overreacting, or keep emphasizing that it's just a joke.