7 Signs of a Toxic Friendship | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

7 Signs of a Toxic Friendship

Recently, I began to seek a more positive lifestyle. The first thing that had to go was a toxic friendship that I let take over my life for way too long. Though the friendship was not all bad, it was these signs that led me to believe that my life would be more positive without this "toxic friendship". Just because someone has some of these traits it does not make them completely toxic, most of us probably have at least one toxic trait. This list is a way for me to vent how I felt and identified the toxic friendship, it is not meant to target or hurt anyone.

32

In This Article:


​​They neither value or respect your opinion.

Lets face it, even the best of friends disagree sometimes. The mature thing to do is to "agree to disagree", but unfortunately toxic friends often stay angry about differences of opinion rather than respecting it and moving on.

They emphasize their successes, but minimize yours.

Whether it is getting into the school you wanted or got the job it's usually small compared to their most recent accomplishment. Equal celebration is a key quality in a healthy friendship.

They always have to be the center of attention.

This can come in a number of forms whether it is being the loudest one in a conversation, getting too drunk, or simply making sure they outshine others. It's fun to be in the spotlight sometimes, but constantly stealing attention from others can translate as insecurity.

They never approve of other friends or significant others, anyone who demands your attention away from them.

It's one thing to be looking out for each other from an outside point of view, but if a friend finds something wrong with everyone in your life that isn't them, it is most likely a form of jealousy.

They constantly point out your faults/failures.

I had this one "friend" that would bring up a failed relationship of mine every time I started to become happy again. It was like she was constantly bringing me down while I was up. If someone feels the need to point out negative points in your life while your feeling positive they are most likely trying to push their unhappiness on you and NOBODY deserves that.

They point out favors they have done for you, but rarely acknowledge what you do for them.

Friends do stuff for each other out of love. It doesn't always have to be equal, but you should be thankful for the little things. This does not just refer to money. Time is just as important and if anyone is giving you their time you should be thankful. A friend that constantly acknowledges things they do for you without acknowledging what you do for them is most likely trying to make you feel as if you owe them something.

They always find an excuse to get angry because they thrive on negative energy.

Sometimes people argue over simply things. If this becomes constant where the bad times outweigh the good then it is definitely a problem.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

552715
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

438055
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments