Friendships are like hidden treasures of our life that can bring joy, support and unforgettable moments. With the help of experts, we reveal the real differences between toxic and good friends. We'll break it down into eight key aspects that reveal the true nature of these connections, from how they support you to how they resolve conflict.
Friends they are an important part of life and it is essential to recognize the difference between toxic and good friends. The differences described are a valuable blueprint for evaluating your friendships and making informed decisions about who you want keep in your life. Surrounding yourself with good friends who uplift and support you is key to cultivating a healthier, happier and more fulfilling social circle.
1. How they support you
A good friend: A good friend is a solid source of support. They actively listen to your concerns, offer compassionate advice and are there for you through life's ups and downs. They celebrate your successes and provide a shoulder to lean on in times of need.
Toxic friend: Toxic friends may pretend to support you, but they are often more concerned with their own needs and wants. They may underestimate your achievements or, even worse, sabotage them. Their support can be conditional and inconsistent, leaving you feeling unfulfilled.
Photo: Andrea/Pexels
2. Who makes the plans
A good friend: Good friends take the initiative to plan. They are excited to spend time with you and actively participate in organizing trips, meetings or simply chatting over coffee. They appreciate your presence in their lives.
Toxic friend: Toxic friends tend to be passive when it comes to planning. They may expect you to do all the work, which can make you feel unappreciated or taken for granted. Their lack of effort can eventually put a strain on the friendship.
3. How they react to disappointment or rejection
A good friend: A good friend understands that disappointment and rejection are a part of life. They offer a listening ear, comfort and encouragement when things don't go your way. They respect your feelings and never judge.
Toxic friend: Toxic friends may belittle your feelings or use disappointment as an opportunity to say, "I told you so." They may not be truly sympathetic and may even enjoy your unhappiness. Such behavior can be emotionally draining.
Photo: Liza/Pexels
4. How they respond to good news
A good friend: When you share good news with a good friend, he sincerely celebrates your achievements. They offer you congratulations, encouragement, and a desire to hear more about your success.
Toxic friend: Toxic friends may not respond positively to your good news. They may downplay your achievements, shift the focus back to themselves, or show jealousy. Their reactions may make you reluctant to share your joys with them.
5. How you feel after spending time with them
A good friend: Spending time with a good friend makes you feel uplifted, positive and valued. Your energy is charged and you look forward to the next interaction.
Toxic friend: Spending time with toxic friends can leave you exhausted, anxious, or even upset. You may question your self-worth and wonder why you maintain a friendship despite the negative influence.
6. How they deal with boundaries
A good friend: A good friend respects your boundaries and personal space. They realize that it is essential to have individual interests and priorities outside of friendship.
Toxic friend: Toxic friends may not respect your boundaries, leaving you feeling suffocated and overwhelmed. They can interfere with your personal life and demand constant attention and cause unnecessary stress.
7. How they resolve conflicts
A good friend: Conflicts are inevitable in any relationship. A good friend deals with problems openly and honestly and strives to find mutually beneficial solutions. They value friendship enough to resolve disagreements.
Toxic friend: Toxic friends often escalate conflicts, making them more important than they should be. They may resort to manipulation, passive aggressiveness or even making light of it, which can damage trust and mutual respect.
8. If you can trust them
A good friend: Trust is the foundation of any solid friendship. Good friends are reliable, honest and reliable. They keep your secrets, fulfill obligations and have your back when you need them most.
Toxic friend: Trusting a toxic friend can be challenging. They may gossip about you, violate your trust, or manipulate situations to their advantage. This breach of trust can have long-lasting consequences for your friendship.
