8 signs that a friendship may be being toxic

We often talk about romantic relationships that do more harm than good. However, in addition to a partner who harms us, we must also know how to identify a toxic friendship.

It is often even more difficult to come to the conclusion that a friend is not that beneficial to your life, and you can spend years suffering from the effects of that relationship. Keep an eye out for these 8 signs to spot possible toxic friendships:

1. You avoid messages and calls from this person

Maybe you’re not quite sure why, but you get a little annoyed just to see a friend’s name flashing on your cell phone screen. After all, you can already predict that the conversation is going to involve a major outpouring of emotional issues – all of them belonging to the other person.

It’s not that you don’t want to help her, but maybe you’ve gotten a little tired of the only issue between you being her needs alone, while she doesn’t even remember to ask how you are.

2. She never has time for you

You can spend hours consoling your friend because a guy on Tinder is missing, but she apparently doesn’t have time for you even when something very serious happens in your life, even if it’s the loss of a loved one.

A true friendship is a two-way street. If you realize that you are the only person who gives and she is the only person who receives, something is wrong in this relationship.

3. You are afraid of displeasing her

You feel that your friend always expects you to meet her as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter if you are at work or enjoying a romantic evening, you feel that this friendship has created an obligation that you are always available for the other person.

Just because of this, when you think that you might have the right to put yourself first from time to time, you start to feel afraid of displeasing the other person. This is because this “friendship” only works if you are available at all times. So, unconsciously, you worry about hurting your friend – when, in fact, you’re doing nothing but minding your own business.

4. You are emotionally exhausted after seeing your friend

Friendships also have their ups and downs, but for them to be true, moments of joy and partnership must overcome difficulties. So if you always feel exhausted, sad or angry after seeing your friend, this is a sure sign that this is not a healthy friendship.

People who let you down, raise doubts about your dreams and projects, or put you in difficult situations (whether emotional, moral or financial) do not add anything good to your life. Walking away may be the best option.

5. You feel physically sick after seeing this person

The only pain you should feel after meeting a friend is that slight tension in your cheeks from laughing so hard. On the other hand, if you have a headache, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal problems after spending time with a particular friend, that’s a sure sign that it’s a toxic friendship.

Having good friends boosts our immune system and increases our life expectancy – and of course, hanging out with people who hurt you will have the opposite effects.

6. You are always walking on eggshells and hiding things

A friendship never seems toxic at first: after all, in order to become friends, it is very likely that you would laugh together and seem comfortable in each other’s presence. However, it seems that something has changed in this relationship.

In order not to hurt your friend, you start to carefully choose every word you say to her, as the chances of it being misinterpreted are high – as if she can’t remember that you like her and have no intention of hurting her.

In addition, you start to hide certain events, whether good or bad, because you know that your friend will not react in a very positive way: when she tells you something bad, she puts you down even more; by telling something good, she diminishes her achievement. If you find yourself having to police yourself all the time, that’s not a healthy friendship.

7. Your friendship is hurting other relationships

Maybe you have two friends who don’t get along very well, and that’s totally normal. However, it is not normal for a friend to dislike all of her other friends, her partner, and her family.

As with toxic love relationships, a toxic friend may also act to try to isolate you until they are the only person left in your life.

If you notice some manipulation to distance yourself from other loved ones, or if your true friends and family are unhappy with this particular friendship, it’s good to keep your eyes open.

8. You are developing serious health problems

Stress and anxiety can get out of the emotional and psychological realm and hit your body, resulting in an increased risk factor for health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. And this is no different when stress and anxiety are generated by a toxic friendship.

We tend to think that dealing with a toxic friend is easier than dealing with a partner who hurts you, but things aren’t always that simple. After all, toxic friends often have a knack for making you doubt, and you’ll always wonder if “that’s what he meant”.

So if you have a sudden health problem and find yourself stuck in a friendship that doesn’t do you any good, there could be a link between these two factors.

Recognizing a toxic friendship and “ending” this relationship are not simple tasks, but doing so is essential for you to restore your physical and mental balance. So put yourself first, seek professional help if necessary and get rid of that person who hurts you so much.