7 Signs of Toxic Friendships & How to Deal With Them

Friendships are supposed to bring joy, support, and connection. But what happens when a friendship starts to feel more like a burden than a blessing? We often talk about toxic romantic relationships, but toxic friendships can be just as damaging—leaving you feeling drained, insecure, or second-guessing yourself.

If you’ve ever felt like a friendship is doing more harm than good, you’re not alone. Recognizing the signs of a toxic friendship is the first step toward protecting your peace and emotional well-being.

Common Experiences in Toxic Friendships

Not all toxic friendships are obvious. Sometimes, they creep in slowly—what once felt like a close, unbreakable bond starts feeling more like an emotional minefield.

You catch yourself overthinking what to say, worrying about their reactions, and questioning whether you’re being too sensitive.

Here are some common experiences that people have in toxic friendships:

💔 They Get Jealous When You Spend Time with Others: A supportive friend encourages you to build connections, but a toxic one sees your social life as a threat. They might sulk, guilt-trip you, or throw passive-aggressive comments your way whenever you hang out with someone else. Instead of celebrating your friendships, they make you feel like you’re betraying them.

⚖️ They Turn Everything Into a Competition: Whether it’s academics, career moves, or even personal milestones, they always find a way to compare. If you achieve something great, they either downplay it, brush it off, or immediately shift the focus back to themselves. Over time, you start hesitating to share your wins because you know it won’t be met with genuine happiness.

👎 They Talk Behind Your Back: Trust is essential in any friendship, but a toxic friend may twist your words, share private conversations, or spread rumors. Sometimes, you don’t even realize it’s happening until mutual friends mention things you never told them. The sting of betrayal can make you question whether this person was ever truly on your side.

If you often feel like you’re walking on eggshells—constantly second-guessing your choices or dreading their reactions—it’s a sign that this friendship might not be healthy to maintain.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward protecting your emotional well-being.

How to Recognize a Toxic Friendship – 7 Red Flags to Look Out For

It’s not always easy to identify toxicity, especially when you’ve been friends for years. But here are some telltale signs to watch for:

1. There’s Always Drama

Do they blow small issues out of proportion, expect you to read their mind, or make you feel guilty for things outside your control? If everything turns into an emotional rollercoaster, that’s a major red flag.

2. The Friendship Feels One-Sided

Are you the one always reaching out, making plans, or providing support? A healthy friendship is a two-way street. If they’re only around when they need something but disappear when you need support, it’s worth reassessing the relationship.

3. You Feel Drained, Not Energized

Friendships should uplift you. If you consistently leave interactions feeling emotionally exhausted or anxious, take that as a sign that something isn’t right.

4. They Disrespect Your Boundaries

Do they constantly push past your limits, whether it’s invading your personal space, demanding more of your time than you can give, or ignoring your emotional needs? True friends respect each other’s boundaries, not challenge or trample over them.

5. They Take Shots at Your Confidence

Do they make subtle (or not-so-subtle) digs at your achievements, looks, or decisions? A real friend lifts you up, while a toxic one might disguise criticism as “jokes” or “honest opinions” that leave you doubting yourself.

6. They Make Everything About Themselves

When you share something important—whether it’s a success or a struggle—do they redirect the conversation back to themselves? If your wins are downplayed and your problems are ignored or overshadowed by theirs, that’s a major red flag.

7. They Treat You Like Their Spouse/Partner

Do they expect you to fulfill emotional needs or take on responsibilities that go beyond a typical friendship? If they treat you like their partner—expecting constant attention, validation, or making you their primary source of support—it can create an unhealthy dynamic where your own needs are neglected.

If any (or all) of these resonate with you, it might be time to take a step back and prioritize your well-being.

How to Deal With Toxic Friends and Protect Your Peace

Recognizing a toxic friendship is only the first step. The next is deciding how to handle it—whether that means setting firm boundaries or walking away entirely.

1. Have an Honest Conversation

Sometimes, the people closest to us don’t realize how their actions affect us. They may be unaware of the emotional toll their behavior is taking on the friendship. If you feel safe and comfortable enough, it’s crucial to voice your feelings directly. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory, which can make the other person defensive.

For example: “I feel sad when our conversations turn into comparisons. I want to celebrate our successes together, not compete.”

This approach can open up a dialogue where you express your needs and expectations clearly. However, be prepared for the possibility that they may dismiss your concerns or turn the conversation into an argument. If this happens, it’s a red flag. A genuine friend will listen and seek to understand, not deflect or invalidate your feelings. Pay attention to how they respond—it can tell you a lot about their willingness to change and whether they truly value the friendship.

2. Learn to Say No

Saying no is one of the most powerful tools in protecting your peace. In a toxic friendship, the other person may try to manipulate or guilt-trip you into doing things that make you uncomfortable or drain your energy.

Learning to say no without feeling guilty is a critical skill for maintaining your emotional well-being. It’s important to remember that your time, energy, and emotional resources are limited, and you have the right to protect them.

For instance, if a friend invites you to an event that doesn’t feel right or leaves you feeling drained, don’t be afraid to politely decline. Saying no isn’t selfish; it’s an act of self-care. Over time, setting this boundary will help you reclaim your personal space and make it easier to prioritize your own needs.

3. Stay Consistent with Boundaries

Setting a boundary is just the first step; the real challenge is maintaining it consistently. Toxic people are often skilled at testing limits and pushing boundaries to see how much they can get away with. They may try to guilt you into changing your stance or make you feel bad for enforcing your boundaries.

It’s crucial to stay firm and consistent, even when it feels uncomfortable or when the other person tries to challenge you.

If you’ve already made it clear that you’re not willing to tolerate certain behaviors, and they continue to cross the line, it’s a sign they’re not respecting you. In those moments, it’s important to reinforce your boundary.

This may feel difficult at first, especially if you’ve been accommodating in the past, but consistency is key to maintaining healthy relationships. Over time, the more you hold your ground, the clearer it becomes that you value yourself and your needs.

When It’s Time to Let Go

If you’ve tried setting boundaries and communicating your needs but nothing changes, it may be time to step away from the friendship.

Letting go isn’t easy, especially when you’ve invested years into the relationship. You might feel guilty or afraid of losing shared memories. But staying in a toxic friendship out of fear or obligation only prolongs the emotional toll.

I eventually made the difficult choice to distance myself from my friend. At first, it was painful—I questioned whether I was making the right decision. But with time, I realized how much lighter and more confident I felt without the constant negativity.

Not all friendships are meant to last forever. And that’s okay. Sometimes, the healthiest thing you can do is let go.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Healthy, Supportive Friendships

True friendships are built on mutual respect, trust, and encouragement. If a friendship is making you feel anxious, inadequate, or exhausted, it’s worth re-evaluating whether it’s still serving you.

Walking away doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you care about yourself enough to prioritize your well-being.

Reflect on these questions:

✅ Does this friendship uplift and support me, or does it leave me feeling drained and uncertain?

✅ Am I staying in this friendship out of fear, or because I truly value the connection?

✅ If a friend told me they were in the same situation, what advice would I give them?

You deserve friendships that bring out the best in you. Take care of your heart—you’re worth it. 💛