Do Your Friends Gossip About You?
It's nice to have a close group of friends, but sometimes these relationships run their course. It's important to recognize the signs that you're growing apart from your friends, or that these friendships aren't as meaningful as they once were. Here are 20 signs you need a new friend group.
1. Hanging Out is Draining
Hanging out with your friends should be fun, inspiring, and invigorating. If you feel that being around your friends is zapping your energy, and making you feel drained, then it's time to make some new friends.
2. They Only Call When They Need Something
If your friends only reach out when they need something, like advice or a ride, then you're most likely being used. You deserve to be valued as a friend, and friendships should reciprocal. Emotional and social imbalance will lead to resentment over time.
3. You Can't Be Yourself Around Them
If you feel like you need to censor your thoughts and opinions to fit in, then your not really part of a friend group. This is merely performance, and it's the biggest sign that you are stuck in friendships that aren't right for you. You should invest your time in people who appreciate who you are.
4. They Gossip About Each Other and You
Friends who always badmouth each other are on constant thin ice. If your friends are gossiping about other members of your social circle, then accept that they are doing it about you too. You deserve friends who build you up and not tear you down behind your back.
5. They Don't Celebrate Your Wins
Real friends cheer you on and are excited by your achievements. If your group reacts with indifference or even envy when you succeed, that's a huge red flag. This reflects their insecurity and not their love and support for you.
6. You're Always the One Making Plans
If you're the one initiating plans or checking in, it means you're carrying the relationship. Friendship is a mutual effort, not one person's responsibility. Failure to reciprocate could mean disinterest.
7. They Dismiss Your Feelings
Good friends validate your feelings and listen to your problems. It's a sign of a toxic friend group if they gaslight or minimize, or mock your emotions. If expressing your feelings results in ridicule, you need to search for new friends to hang out with.
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8. They're Never Happy for You
You can tell when your friend is forcing a smile or did a subtle eye-roll. It means they're not happy for you and not interested in celebrating you. Even a quick topic change can be a red flag.
9. Conversations Are Always Negative
Constant complaining or being overly cynical can negatively impact your mindset. If your friend group thrives on drama, then consider moving on. You don't want to start mirroring that energy.
10. You Don't Trust Them
If you hesitate to confide in your friends because you feel they'll be judgmental or share your secrets, then you should follow these instincts. The best advice is to find real friends who will protect your confidence.
11. They Pressure You to Do Things
Friends who constantly pressure you into situations that you find uncomfortable and ignore your boundaries are simply prioritizing their fun. Real friends respect your limits and consider your interests when planning activities.
12. They Make Fun of You and Call It "Joking"
Fun teasing is a trademark of most friendships, but consistent put-downs can be a form of emotional manipulation and flat-out meanness. Take being the punchline as a sign that you need to branch out and make new friends.
13. They Never Apologize
When conflicts arise, do your friends deflect blame, change the subject, or even gaslight you. This emotional immaturity is proof that you need new friends, as accountability is key to adult friendships.
14. They Compete With You Constantly
A little friendly rivalry is fine, but constant comparison can turn malicious over time. Your achievements shouldn't become a contest as to who earns more or looks better. Friends should be your chosen family, not your competition.
15. You Feel Left Out
If you're consistently excluded from plans, group chats, or inside jokes, it's probably intentional. Your friends excluding you from social things is a sneaky way of expressing that you're not valued. True friends make sure all members of the group are included and feel seen.
16. They Don't Respect Your Time
Friends who are chronically late or cancel at the last minute are disrespectful. No friend should treat your time as disposable and be okay with you waiting around for them to be ready.
17. You're Afraid to Speak Up
You shouldn't feel anxious about voicing your concerns to your friends. Friendships shouldn't be about walking on eggshells. Healthy friendships have open communication and allow for disagreements without punishment.
18. They Bring Out the Worst in You
If you do too much drinking, gossiping or acting differently around a friend then you need to pump the brakes. The right friends elevate your standards, and make you feel better about yourself. The wrong ones lower them and try to pull you into their lifestyle regardless of your feelings and desires.
19. They're Never There in Hard Times
Do your friends disappear when life gets tought? If so, you deserve friends who will stick by you during heartbreak, professional troubles, illness, and whatever else life will throw at you.
20. You Feel Lonely Around Them
Feeling lonely while you're with your friends is a clear sign that you're emotionally disconnected from them. If you can't connect with your current friends anymore or feel like an outsider, you need to listen to your feelings and find people who you feel less isolated around.
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