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We’re all surrounded by different kinds of relationships and friends have a special place in our lives. They are the ones we turn to when the chips are down or when we need to celebrate something significant. But not every friend qualifies as a well-wisher, some are really toxic as you get to know them. Damini Grover, Counseling Psychologist, Life Coach and Founder of 'I'm Powered Center For Counseling & Well-Being, Delhi:
Every time you pick up the phone or meet them, it’s always about them. They often violate your boundaries and keep their interests and needs above yours. This often leaves you feeling that there is no room for your expression in your friendship and it feels one-sided.
If your friend is always comparing you to other friends or people and making you feel that there’s something wrong or not so good in you, then that’s not a good friend to have around.
Meeting friends should be an energising, feel-good experience. But if being around them makes you nervous, agitated, uncomfortable and drained then it means that the friendship is not a healthy one.
Friends are supposed to support and uplift us. But if you feel that your friend is always criticising you, pulling you down, not understanding and respecting your choices, then it’s not healthy.
Everyone puts a lot of faith and trust in their friends. However, things become problematic when your close friend starts talking about you to other people and spills your secrets. Thus, shattering your faith and trust.
Friends are always cracking jokes and taking digs at each other. However, things begin to get toxic when this fun begins to feel like an insult or humiliation. When a friend is constantly pulling you down, making fun of your shortcomings or demeaning you in person or in front of others then it is toxic.