Signs

But sometimes, a friendship can become unhealthy, and the effects can be damaging to your overall well being. It's normal to fight with friends and go through ...

“It is a beautiful thing to be generous in our friendships but there is a fine line between that and being used,” Dr. Peck says. If it feels safe to do so, both Dr. Carlson and Dr. Peck recommend having a conversation with this friend, to explain why you’re hurt or why you’re distancing yourself. This could mean saying “no” more when they ask to hang out or borrow your items, busying yourself with other activities, or telling them less and less about your life. “You don't actually have to determine that THEY are toxic in order for YOU to decide what is best for you.” “This is the friend who supports you ONLY when they agree with you or when they approve,” Dr. Peck adds. You might both play a part in the fight, but it’s only fair that you each own up to your actions and admit fault. It feels really good and the person's really nice to you for a while, you feel on top of the world, and everything's fine,” Dr. Carlson explains. “If [someone] discloses something that they're doing that could be harmful to them, a close friend may very well go to get help, and violate trust to do that,” Dr. Carlson explains. If they post statements online about you that might harm your reputation or make you feel embarrassed, this friend is deliberately trying to hurt you. It’s important to note that you don’t need to label a friendship as “toxic” to distance yourself from someone. “A friend might feel insecure about your friendships with others, or feel rejected and left out. It would bring them down, make them feel more negatively about themselves, and make them feel the relationship is unstable or not predictable.”