Choose friends wisely: Red flags one should look out for in friendship before getting attached

It’s critical to be alert to any warning signs of a poisonous or unhealthy friendship.

A fulfilling existence requires cultivating and preserving healthy friendships. Our well-being is enriched by the support, company and shared experiences that friends bring. But, if your friends are not doing so then here are a few red flags that you can check out and be safe from the beginning.

Bails out on you

While a few last-minute cancellations are understandable, a friend who constantly cancels or refuses to meet up without a good explanation may not appreciate your friendship or value your time.

Lack of reciprocity

Friendship should entail compassion and support for one another. It may be a sign of an unbalanced and unhealthy friendship if you notice that your buddy continually takes but rarely provides, never expresses interest in your life or problems, or fails to assist you when you need it.

Constant criticism and negativity

Friends ought to support and cheer each other on. It can be emotionally taxing and bad for your health if your friend constantly downplays your accomplishments, harshly criticizes you, or only sees the bad in your life

Manipulative behavior

Friends should collaborate on decisions and respect each other’s boundaries. An unhealthy dynamic is present if your friend constantly manipulates you into doing things you don’t want to do, forces you to do them, or makes you feel guilty to get their way.

Not trustworthy of you

Any healthy friendship is built on trust, and consistently breaking commitments, divulging your secrets without your consent, or lying to you about things is a serious red signal that you should not overlook

Disregard for your feelings and lack of empathy

When you are going through a challenging period, a good friend will listen, comprehend, and demonstrate empathy. It’s a red flag that your friend might not be committed to the friendship if they consistently minimize or invalidate your feelings or express little interest in your wellbeing.

Jealousy

Mutual encouragement and celebration of one another’s achievements are the foundation of a healthy friendship. It can be toxic and impede your personal development if your friend consistently displays envy, disparages your accomplishments or turns everything into a competition.

Absence of support for personal development

Friends should encourage one another's aspirations and growth. Progress and self-esteem may be hampered if a friend constantly criticizes your goals, downplays your desires or undermines your growth.

Are you experiencing something related to these signs? Identify and cut off those unhealthy friendships to make space for healthy ones.