Photo: Ivan Samkov

What makes a false friend?

Fake friends will often make backhanded compliments, quiet judgments, or disapproving looks in your direction. Sometimes, these behaviors are not outright or obvious. Still, they can leave you feeling betrayed and hurt.

choosingtherapy.com - 15 Signs of a Fake Friend - Choosing Therapy

How do you fix a broken relationship after breaking up?

Here are eight things you should do to have a healthy relationship after getting back together. Acknowledge past hurt. ... Respect your partner's...

Last updated Nov 29, 2020

What are red flags in a girlfriend?

13 red flags in a relationship to look out for Overly controlling behavior. Overly controlling behavior is a common red flag. ... Lack of trust....

Last updated Sep 4, 2018

Promotion

What Is a Fake Friend?

A fake friend may leave you feeling emotionally exhausted due to their inability to be genuine, keep your interests in mind, or respect you. In a healthy friendship, there is a sense of mutual positivity and reciprocated admiration. However, this is not the case with fake or toxic friends. When interacting with them, you may feel like you have to act or behave in a certain way to avoid harsh criticism. When it’s obvious that this person no longer has your best interests at heart, it may be time to consider ending the relationship.

How to Know if Your Friend Is Fake: 15 Signs

The signs of a fake friendship may not look the same in every situation. Nevertheless, if you examine them closely, you’ll notice similar relationship patterns, qualities, and characteristics. Often, you’ll notice a lack of commitment on your “friend’s” part. They are frequently self-absorbed and more focused on their own personal feelings, rather than yours. Having this type of relationship can feel incredibly one-sided and hurtful.

Here are 15 signs of a fake friend:

1. They Don’t Support You

If a friend is never available for you when you need them, they’re probably not fully invested in your relationship. Rather than listening and offering emotional support, they may give you unenthusiastic affirmations or comments. Real friends will pay attention to your needs and provide encouragement.

2. They’re Overly Competitive With You

Friendships can sometimes include a healthy level of competition. However, you’ll know when the limit of this has been met. In fake friendships, competition is not good-natured or fun. Rather, it comes from a place of jealousy or their need to feel better than others.

3. They Make You Feel Bad About Yourself

4. They Turn Others Against You

A fake friend may act sweet and caring to your face, but gossip about you with others. This type of behavior is a form of relational aggression and is a distinct sign of a fake friendship.

5. They Always Need Attention

How do you get a girl to like you madly?

How To Make a Girl Fall For You: 20 Simple Strategies Work on yourself & have your own life. ... Be optimistic. ... Keep the conversation going....

Last updated Jun 23, 2021

How do I know Im toxic?

Take a step back for a second and ask yourself: how often do you find yourself thinking something along the lines of, “This person isn't worth my...

Last updated Jun 26, 2019

Promotion

We all know someone who loves drama and being the center of attention. Friendships with a person like this may be conflictual, one-sided, and manipulative. Attention seeking behavior does not always look the same, but it is often an indicator of a fake friendship.

6. They Peer Pressure You

When a friend attempts to encourage or convince you to behave in a way that is not characteristic of you, this is known as peer pressure. Peer pressure can be direct or indirect, and can occur in any type of social situation.

7. They’re Narcissistic

Sometimes, self-obsessed and attention seeking behaviors can be indicative of an underlying Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Friendships with a narcissist can feel superficial, as your friend may act moody, hold grudges, be hypersensitive to criticism, or crave constant attention.

8. They’re Jealous of You

Jealousy in a friendship may stem from feelings of insecurity or fear. When left unaddressed, jealousy can lead to anger and resentment, inevitably causing irreparable damage to the friendship.

9. They Emotional Dump on You

Emotional dumping is a toxic form of venting that occurs when a person continues to share their thoughts, despite cues that it’s time to stop. When you find yourself constantly listening to someone behave in this way, you may grow frustrated and discouraged.

10. They’re Energy Vampires

Fake friends are like “energy vampires.” Their consistent negative attitudes, need for attention, and judgmental behaviors can leave you feeling both mentally and emotionally drained. A fake friend doesn’t necessarily care about hurting the people around them. This may be evident in how they force their negativity onto others. For example, they may show up to a party in a bad mood, and take any opportunity to infect other guests with their toxicity.

12. They Hold Grudges

We all make mistakes, but a fake friend is going to struggle to acknowledge this. A true friend may be hurt by a mistake on your part, but will move on from it, because they love you. Fake friends will typically hold on to grudges for a long time, despite your attempts to apologize.

13. They’re Focused on Appearances

When a man proposes which knee should he be on?

left knee Traditionalists say you should kneel on the left knee, like a proper knight. Most people are right side-dominant, so using your right leg...

Last updated Feb 6, 2021

What happens if you are not hugged enough?

When you don't get enough physical touch, you can become stressed, anxious, or depressed. As a response to stress, your body makes a hormone called...

Last updated Jun 3, 2021

Promotion

For some, the way a friendship looks on camera is more important than how it does in real life. If your “friend” is overly focused on making sure others know everything you’re doing together, this can be a sign of ingenuity. Pay attention to friendships when they begin to feel shallow and determine if they’re worth maintaining.

14. They Judge You

A friend should never be overly critical of you. If you notice that someone is constantly questioning your behaviors, ideas, or choices, you may be dealing with a fake friend. While some disagreement is unavoidable in any relationship, an obscene amount is never a good sign.

15. They Only Reach Out When They Need You

Frequently, a fake friend will only make an effort to contact you when they need something. If you struggle to find ways in which your relationship is benefiting you, it may be time to set some boundaries or move on.

How Therapy Can Help

Fake friendships can be emotionally damaging, especially if you’ve been friends for a long time. As you begin to recognize the indicators of a fake friend, you may find that speaking with a therapist helps you understand how to address your relationship. You can learn how to set necessary boundaries and begin repairing any residual emotional damage of the friendship. An online therapist directory is a great tool to locate available clinicians near you, based on their specialties and insurance options.

Final Thoughts

Fake friendships can negatively impact anyone. Everyone deserves to surround themselves with people who love and respect them. Be wary of fake friends, try your best to avoid them when possible, and acknowledge when it’s appropriate to move on.

choosingtherapy.com - 15 Signs of a Fake Friend - Choosing Therapy

What is the prayer of the impossible?

Dear heavenly Father, we praise you for your promises of steadfast love, daily mercies, and doing the impossible, for we need all three. Because of...

Last updated Oct 20, 2018

How do I make him crave my attention?

How to make him want you more: 8 tips to make him crave for you! Call him by cute names often: Keep him guessing: Touch him unexpectedly: Small...

Last updated Oct 13, 2018

Promotion

Can lost feelings come back during no contact?

Can lost feelings come back during the no contact period? Yes, they can. However, you have to make sure that you don't stretch the no-contact phase...

Last updated Jul 21, 2021

Promotion

How do you grow deeper in a relationship?

9 Ways to Deepen Your Relationship Be honest with yourself about the state of your relationship. ... Commit to improving. ... Narrow your focus....

Last updated Apr 12, 2020