Do you have a friend who has started making you feel worse about yourself
than better? Do you have a friend who is making you cry, worry, or think
badly about yourself? Do you have a friend who is all about themselves in
the friendship but never about you? If you answered yes to any of these
then you may have a toxic friend.
Friendships are supposed to be about support, compassion, fun, and
understanding. Most friendships start out because you 'get' each other
and you are comfortable with each other. When your friend starts to
exhibit the opposite of these traits then your friend is no longer
participating in the friendship in a way that a real friend should.
Why Should You Cut A Toxic Friend Out of Your Life?
Friendships should be two sided, full of support, and never about making
the other person feel bad; when they lose the ability to do that they can
become toxic to your health because they can cause you a lot of stress
and negative feelings. There comes a point where you have to either get
rid of the friend or continue on with the negativity that is a part of
your friendship - and usually 'breaking up' with the friend is that way
you will go.
After you and your friend go your separate ways you will feel a sense of
relief. The negativity of the toxic relationship will be removed and you
will find that you will be free to experience new friendships and have
less stress, anxiety, or pain in your life.
Surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting people is essential to
your well being. It allows you to stay in a happy and positive place.
How to Cut Out a Toxic Friend From Your Life
Your friend may not realize that they are being toxic to you. They may
think that they ARE being supportive, caring, compassionate, and
everything a good friend should be. So talking to your friend may be a
viable solution to the problem. But if you think that you are past that
then you have every right to remove a toxic friend from your life. It's
your life!
You can relate cutting out a toxic friend to breaking up with someone.
Your friend will try to make you feel bad or hurt. They will be shocked
that you no longer want to be friends. They may beg you to take them
back. They may scream and get angry or they may turn their back on you
and walk away. All of these reactions should be expected because your
friend is not going to see it coming - especially if they are caught up
in their own world.
After the 'breakup' your friend will probably try to contact you and
repair the relationship. At this point you have to remember that your
friendship has not changed any - it's just become broken and your friend
wants you back. That doesn't mean the dynamics of your friendship will
change. It will be the same because the issues that were there have not
been resolved. Jumping back into the friendship will not do any good.
You may want to see counseling together if you really want your friend
back. A counsellor may be able to help you and your friend relate in a
whole new way. But if you do not want to fix the relationship then be
strong and let your friend know that you no longer wish to stay in the
friendship. Eventually they will get the picture and leave you alone.
If you want to learn how to be happy someday then click here and find out
why you may never be happy in the future!
Kari writes for Manifest Connection, a personal growth blog focusing on
the happiness and health of the mind, body, and soul.