How to Know if a Friendship is Toxic

Friendships are an important part of life. Hopefully, they last for decades until the person who was once just a friend becomes a part of your family. Yet there is a dark side to friendship. When the friendship is unbalanced, it becomes toxic. This can happen with new or lifelong friendships. It is important to recognize when a friendship has become toxic.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Notice how your friend talks to you. A toxic friend will use conversation to tear you down and build themselves up. He may even use humor to do so. A toxic friend tears down your self-esteem with sarcasm and subtle criticisms.
2. Recognize efforts to isolate you from other friends. A toxic friend will often try to monopolize your time. She will always want to do something with you or give reasons why any other friends aren't really your friends.
3. Hold on to your wallet. A toxic friendship can take a toll on your bank account. A friend who expects you to pay or asks to borrow money but never pays it back is probably toxic. When your money becomes the third member in the friendship, it is time to evaluate the health of the relationship.
4. Check the caller ID. When you begin avoiding a friend's calls, chances are the friendship has become toxic.
5. Listen to your body. A toxic friendship often has a physical effect. If you're always in a bad mood after you have been with a friend or you dread spending time with them, odds are your body is telling you that the friend is toxic.