Absolutely — friendships should uplift, support, and nourish your well-being. But sometimes, people stay in toxic friendships simply because they’ve been friends for years. Below are 🚩 red flags to watch out for in a friendship, so you can protect your peace and surround yourself with true, healthy relationships.
🚩 RED FLAGS IN FRIENDSHIPS
1. They Only Reach Out When They Need Something
•You only hear from them when they need help, money, or favors.
•They disappear when you need support.
❗Friendship should be mutual, not one-sided.
2. They Gossip About Everyone — Including You
•If they constantly gossip about others to you, they’re likely gossiping about you to others.
•They thrive on drama and chaos.
❗Loyal friends don’t slander you behind your back.
3. You Feel Drained After Talking to Them
•After every conversation, you feel anxious, small, or emotionally exhausted.
•You’re always the listener or the problem solver, never the one being supported.
❗True friendship should energize, not deplete you.
4. They Compete With You Instead of Celebrating You
•They downplay your success or always have to “one-up” you.
•You feel like you’re in a constant competition, not a connection.
❗A real friend claps for you when you win — even if they’re not winning yet.
5. They Never Apologize or Admit Fault
•They always blame others and avoid taking responsibility.
•Even when they clearly hurt you, they deflect or joke about it.
❗Humility and accountability are key traits in any friendship.
6. They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries
•They get offended when you say “no” or need space.
•They make you feel guilty for prioritizing yourself.
❗Healthy friends respect your time, energy, and decisions.
7. They Encourage Bad Habits or Sin
•They pressure you into gossip, unhealthy relationships, reckless behavior, or abandoning your values.
•They mock your spiritual growth or standards.
❗Good friends should bring out the best in you, not the worst.
8. You Can’t Be Your True Self Around Them
•You feel like you have to hide your opinions, achievements, or feelings.
•You fear being judged, mocked, or misunderstood.
❗Real friends accept you — the loud, quiet, spiritual, struggling, and growing version of you.
9. They’re Jealous of Your Other Friendships
•They guilt trip you for spending time with others.
•They act possessive or create drama between you and your other friends.
❗Insecure friends will try to isolate you.
10. They Sabotage Your Growth
•They mock your goals, discourage your ideas, or laugh at your dreams.
•They make you second-guess your worth or purpose.
❗Growth should be supported, not sabotaged.
✨ Final Reminder:
Not all friendships are meant to last forever. Some were only meant for a season, not a lifetime — and that’s okay.
“Walk with the wise and become wise…” – Proverbs 13:20
Leave a Reply