Friendships are a beautiful thing.
When we surround ourselves with the right people, we feel supported, fulfilled, and nourished.
When there are health and longevity in the friendship, those friends can even become part of our family.
Friendships aren’t without conflict and miscommunication, though.
With those friendships, it is OK toset boundariesand even OK to call it quits.
They compete with you on various aspects in life and struggle to be happy for you.
First, there is nothing wrong with a little bit of friendly competition.
Healthy competition with our friends pushes us to be better, inspires us, and motivates us.
A toxic or unhealthy friend may compete with you, and you may never know it.
They only call or ask to hang out when they need something.
You dread seeing their name pop up on your phone.
They disrespect you or violate your boundaries.
Boundaries can be physical, mental, and emotional.
We also end up betraying ourselves by having a friend who continuously violates our boundaries.
You find yourself making excuses to get out of hanging out with them.
Sometimes, your body can pick up on information before your mind does.
Pay attention to how your body responds when you are scheduled to hang out with a friend.
Does your body feel resistant?
Your growth is affected by the friendship.
This is very commonly seen by people who have had long-term childhood friendships.
As we grow and evolve, our interests, values, morals, and ethics do too.
The conversations feel forced.
Emotional reciprocity and mutual conversation are part of the foundation of a healthy friendship.
You feel drained after hanging out with them.
This is a clear sign that the friendship is no longer enjoyable.
You may feel drained for a variety of reasons.
The conversation goes in circles.
Just because you are friends with someone does not mean that they are entitled to your emotional energy.
They are possessive, jealous, and controlling.
These friends frequently call, text, and feel entitled to your time.
Healthy friendships maintain their independence and experience a sense of trust.
There is nothing wrong with ending friendships.
This is a healthy part of sending boundaries and practicing self-care.
