How to Deal with a Frenemy

Dealing with a frenemy can be tough. A frenemy, which comes from the words friend and enemy, is a person who are you friendly with but does not have your best interests in mind. It's okay to maintain relationships with frenemies, but it's also important to preserve your own interests and needs when dealing with them.

Instructions

1. Be cordial. There's no reason to be mean. There is no problem keeping a frenemy as an acquaintance, as long as you aren't revealing secrets about yourself to your frenemy.

2. A frenemy is likely talking about you behind your back. Because of this, be very quiet about anything personal. Keep conversation to fun, lighthearted topics, and do not share anything that you do not want repeated.

3. Be aware about how frenemies act. Sometime they may act like your best friend, and other times, someone who doesn't like you at all. Be aware of your frenemy's actions, but don't fall into their traps. You should not treat a frenemy like a best friend when they treat you like one, because that will encourage frenemy-like behavior.

4. Try not to be hurt by things your frenemy says and does. The frenemy has their own motives for why they act the way they do. Do not let your frenemy affect your own self esteem, because their actions are a reflection of themselves, not a reflection of you. If they say hurtful things, it may be to cover up their own feelings.

5. Be aware that just because someone is a frenemy to you, they may not be a frenemy to everyone. Do not automatically assume that this person is betraying others, but if they are, you should probably let the others know so they do not get hurt.

6. Do not introduce your frenemies to your real friends. It's important to keep them separate, if possible, so your frenemy does not hurt your friends and does not try to talk to your friends about you.