Toxic Friendship: 8 Signs
Table of Contents
ToggleToxic relationships can not only occur in committed partnerships. Toxic interactions are also possible in friendships. But how is this noticeable? Is my friend a toxic counterpart? What are the specific signs of a toxic relationship? This is how you can tell if your friend wants the best for you or just for themselves.
1. Friendship out of convenience: You will be taken advantage of
Are you often needed spontaneously, but can’t expect anything in return? Does your friend demand attention when other people cancel? Do you often feel like an emergency nail?
If you have the feeling that your counterpart is spending time with you because it is convenient for him/her, you should question the relationship. Maintaining a friendship purely for convenience or to pass the time of the other is unhealthy for one’s own mental well-being in the long run.
2. Toxic Friendship: Control Behavior
If the focus is on your partner, other companions, or hobbies and interests, this is a warning sign of a toxic relationship. In friendship, you only do what the other person feels like doing and if he*she wants to do something. However, a healthy friendship requires balanced dynamics and compromises. If you feel pressured in any way, you should address it or question the friendship.
3. Rivalry and Jealousy: Signs of Toxic Friendship
Jealousy  is a natural feeling. However, if emotions get the upper hand, this can affect the friendship. A toxic relationship develops. While a third person is often involved in partnerships, jealousy shows up differently in friendships.
Does your friend not share in your personal achievements, sabotaging your chances for personal happiness and undermining your accomplishments? Then the friendship could be characterized by jealousy and rivalry on the part of your counterpart.
4. Possessive behavior
If your friend is showing forms of jealousy and is possessive, your alarm bells should be ringing. Are you tired of spending time with others? Is the other person constantly trying to be your best friend?
If you see possessive behavior in your friendship, you should address it openly. However, if your counterpart does not understand or does not change their behavior, you should avoid this type of toxic friendship.
5. Secret grudges – possible in toxic friendships
Do you find some comments derogatory and compliments sneaky? In conversations, the tone often makes the music. So if you have mixed feelings and the other person seems passive-aggressive to you, your friend may hold a grudge against you. This could also be an indication of a toxic relationship.
6. One-sided efforts: signal of toxic friendship
Do you feel neglected in friendship? Are birthdays forgotten and messages and calls not answered? Even if a friendship has been around for a long time, changes in personal life can separate the paths of both people. To protect yourself, it’s important to put your distance and focus on healthy friendships. This can prevent emotional stress  .
7. Communication Problems
Do you find it difficult in friendship to address issues openly and to state your own opinion for fear of upsetting the other person? If so, you should reconsider the friendship. Open communication plays an important role in any friendship or relationship.
8. Sorry emanates from one side
Fighting or hurtful behavior can occur in any social relationship. It is important that both parties assess their behavior and can own up to missteps. This includes an honest apology. However, if the other person tries to shift the blame onto you or does not manage to apologize and ignores the argument, you should question this.
