Experts Spill the Tea: 13 Dead Giveaways You’re Caught up in a Toxic Friendship

Ephraim Obare
Advertiser Disclosure

Hey there! We just wanted to let you know that some of the links on this site are affiliate links. That means we may get a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy. Don't worry, though - we only recommend products that we personally use and love, and we promise to drink all the coffee from the money we make from affiliate sales. Thanks for your support, and we hope you find our content helpful! Read our disclosure.

Ah, friendships. They’re like that perfect cup of tea – warm, comforting, and a little bit of sweetness can go a long way. But what happens when that cup of tea starts to taste… off? Maybe it’s become too bitter, or perhaps it’s lost its warmth entirely? Suddenly, you find yourself nose-deep in a murky, cold brew far from that soothing cup you initially savored.

Welcome, my friends, to the realm of toxic friendships! But fear not; we’re here to be your tea tasters, identifying the ten tell-tale signs that you might be sipping on a poisonous brew. Buckle up; it’s time to spill the tea!

They’re the Embodiment of a Drain

They’re the Embodiment of a Drain
Laflor via canva.com

If you’re constantly feeling emotionally zapped after hanging out, there’s a good chance your friend is a toxic energy vampire sucking the joy out of you.

It’s All About Them, Always

It’s All About Them, Always
Khosro via canva.com

Conversations tend to revolve around their problems, their accomplishments, their everything. They’ve mastered the art of turning any topic into a one-person show.

They’re the King or Queen of Drama

When Office Drama Goes Overboard: This Woman Gives Nosy Coworker a Verbal Shutdown Due To Fiery Personal Finance Questions! Can She Defend Her Epic Outburst?
Voyagerix via canva.com

A toxic friend is typically the star of their soap opera. Their life is a non-stop rollercoaster of exaggerated problems, and they’re constantly eager to drag you on for the ride.

They’re MIA During Your Crisis

Husband Discovers Wife's Secret Affair with His Brother—What Should He Do?
Txking via canva.com

They’re AWOL when you need support, but when they sniff out a drama in their life, they expect you to be the first responder.

They’re Critique Personified

They’re Critique Personified
Motortion via canva.com

Constructive criticism is a sign of a healthy friendship. But if their feedback feels more like a personal attack, you’re dealing with a toxic friend.

They’re Jealous of Your Success

12 Signs You’re Dealing With a Fake Nice Person
Prostock-Studio via Canva.com

A true friend celebrates your achievements. But a toxic friend? They’re green with envy at any hint of your success.

They’re Breadcrumbing You

fake friend
Provided by Frenz

They always promise to hang out or offer help but never follow through. You’re dealing with a master of the breadcrumbing technique.

They’re Manipulating Masterminds

8 Subtle Signs of a Fake Friend
Provided by Frenz

They always know the right words to guilt you into doing something for them. You’re not a friend but a puppet in their manipulative game.

They Disrespect Your Boundaries

Clash of Opinions Ignites at House Party Over Smoking Etiquette, Testing Boundaries and Igniting Controversy
Mix and Match Studio via canva.com

A toxic friend can often overstep the line, repeatedly crossing boundaries and disregarding your feelings, leaving you uncomfortable, used, and emotionally drained. Their actions may include manipulating or taking advantage of your kindness, constantly putting you down, or consistently engaging in negative behaviors that impact your well-being and self-esteem.

Recognizing these signs and prioritizing your mental and emotional health by distancing yourself from toxic relationships is crucial.

They’re Spreading Your Secrets

Should a Parent Allow a 13-Year-Old Daughter to Host Her 19-Year-Old Boyfriend Overnight, or Is This Parent Crossing the Line? Quora Users Are Furious!
Studioroman via canva.com

You tell them something confidently; it’s become the town’s gossip before you know it. A toxic friend can’t resist the temptation to spill your tea.

Isolation from Others

10 Gullible Personality Types Most Likely to Fall for Scams, Schemes, and Cons—Are You One of Them?
FatCamera via canva.com

If your social calendar is as empty as a supermarket shelf during a zombie apocalypse, thanks to your so-called “friend,” you’re venturing into toxic territory.

This “pal” may isolate you from other relationships like a jealous lover, leaving you feeling like you’re on a deserted island waving a SOS flag. Don’t let your friendship become a one-person show – it’s time to hit the eject button!

Gaslighting

Are You a Sensitive Person? Here Are 10 Life-Saving Tips to Shield Yourself from Gaslighting
Maridav via canva.com

Oh, gaslighting, that sneaky little gremlin! Named after a 1940s film where a husband manipulates his wife into believing she’s losing her mind, gaslighting is a toxic friend’s secret weapon.

They’ll make you question your memory, perception, or sanity by denying something they said or did, insisting you must imagine things. Next time you feel like you’re in a Twilight Zone episode, you might just be getting gaslit!

Constant Comparison

12 Unexpected Ways Social Media Is Ruining Our Mental Health
Noob Designer via canva.com

Constant Comparison is the hallmark of a toxic friendship! Is your pal always measuring themselves up to you, or vice versa? It’s like running on a never-ending treadmill—exhausting, right?

This one-upping business isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses; it’s a surefire sign that your camaraderie is caught up in some seriously toxic sludge.

Is This Lady’s Friendship Policy Justified or Judgmental? See the Reason Why She Only Takes Her ‘Sober’ Friends Home

Is This Lady’s Friendship Policy Justified or Plainly Judgmental? See the Reason Why She Only Takes Her ‘Sober’ Friends Home
images via canva.com

Picture this: a 22-year-old woman working late afternoon and night shifts. Two days ago, her friends hatched a plan to party it up near her workplace and asked for a ride home once she finished her dress. Now, here’s the catch – she agreed, but under one condition: her friends had to promise not to get wasted entirely during the festivities. She had a bit of a mishap during a previous New Year’s bash when one of her pals decided to leave their mark in her car with a not-so-pleasant vomit surprise.

Is This Lady’s Friendship Policy Justified or Judgmental? See the Reason Why She Only Takes Her ‘Sober’ Friends Home

The 9 Best Travel Backpacks For Women in 2024

The 9 Best Travel Backpacks For Women in 2023
Provided by Frenz

To assist you in making an informed purchasing decision, we’ve compiled all the necessary information and curated a list of the top nine travel backpacks for women. Rest assured, we’ve got you covered every step of your exciting journey.

The 9 Best Travel Backpacks For Women in 2024

Did She Cross the Line or Stand Her Ground? A 37-Year-Old Woman Refuses to Hand Over Wedding Snaps To Betraying Ex-Friend.

Did She Cross the Line or Stand Her Ground? A 37-Year-Old Woman Refuses to Hand Over Wedding Snaps To Betraying Ex-Friend
Bowie15 via canva.com

A fiercely talented wedding photographer named Emily had a close church pal, Sarah, who was about to tie the knot. Despite missing out on an invite, Sarah thought ordering cookies for her wedding favors from Emily’s drool-worthy bakery would be brilliant.

Did She Cross the Line or Stand Her Ground? A 37-Year-Old Woman Refuses to Hand Over Wedding Snaps To Betraying Ex-Friend

10 Obvious Things That Signal That You Have No Life!

10 Obvious Things That Signal That You Have No Life!
Provided by Frenz via canva.com

A popular online forum recently asked, “What screams ‘I have no life’?” It gave members a chance to sound off about things they can’t stand in other people — and, sometimes, a chance to admit that their habits and hobbies mean they have no life. Are you on the I-have-no-life list, too? Here are some of the signs, according to forum users.

10 Obvious Things That Signal That You Have No Life!

10 Things That Scream ‘I’m a Narcissist’ (According to Psychologists)

10 Things That Scream 'I'm a Narcissist' (According to Psychologists)
Art-Of-Photo via Canva.com

To identify these toxic individuals, it’s essential to look for specific behaviors that suggest they may be malignant narcissists. In this piece, we’ll explore ten things that scream “I’m a narcissist” according to psychologists – so you can recognize them before they become too entrenched in your life.

10 Things That Scream ‘I’m a Narcissist’ (According to Psychologists)

Author

  • Ephraim Obare

    Ephraim Obare is a versatile member of the Frenz Hub writing team, bringing a rich background in economics to his work. An avid swimmer, reader, and cyclist, Ephraim blends analytical insights with his diverse interests.

Spread the love

Leave a Comment

Frenz Lifestyle & Wellness Blog

For Lifestyle trends, tips, and best product reviews

Join Our Subscriber List Today!

This will close in 0 seconds