Lifestyle
Best signs of fake friends and top tips to deal with them
Best signs of fake friends and top tips to deal with them
Families play a key role in many people’s lives. So there you go friends. In fact, a 2017 study published in the journal Personal Relationships demonstrated that when it comes to older adults’ happiness and health, friendships may be more important than relationships with family members. But in order to be healthy and happy, you need to be surrounded by genuine friends and not the ones who pretend to care for you. You may not know it, but there are signs to spot fake friends.
Fake friends are those who only pretend to be your friends. But in reality, they don’t really care about your well-being or have your best interests at heart. They may be insincere, opportunistic, or only interested in what they can gain from the relationship
Ways to recognize fake friends
You may see good in everyone, but there are also ways to know if your friends are fake. Here are some signs of fake friends :
- Lack of genuine interest
Fake friends show little interest in your life, feelings, or concerns. They often talk only about themselves. So, for them it is only about “me, myself and I”. - Inconsistent communication
Fake friends approach you only when they want something from you. And when you need support, they won’t take calls or answer messages. - Conditional support
Fake friends are helpful only when it benefits them, but are absent during your challenges, says the expert. - Negative energy
Fake friends might bring negativity, drama or criticism into your life instead of positive vibes. - Jealousy or competition
They might be envious or jealous of your accomplishments and try to compete with you rather than being happy and celebrating your success. - Betrayal of trust
Fake friends might share your secrets with others even though you tell them not to. They may talk from behind your back or break your trust - Lack of effort
They avoid putting effort into maintaining the friendship, cancel plans often or prioritize other people over you. - Selfish
Fake friends are selfish and tend to concentrate on their own needs. They hardly ever consider your needs or think about what you want. - Energy drain
Spending time with them frequently leaves you feeling drained, rather than uplifted. - No reciprocity
Real friendships involve give and take, but fake friends believe only in taking without giving anything back.
Tips to deal with fake friends
Once you spot fake friends, you should know what to do regarding the friendship. Here are a few tips:
- Evaluate the relationship
Reflect on the impact their behavior has on your well-being and whether the friendship is worth continuing, suggests Raj. - Set boundaries
Set boundaries so that you can protect yourself against their negative influences and demands. - Communicate
If you feel comfortable, have an honest conversation with them regarding your concerns and feelings. - Prioritize real friendships
Your circle of friends can’t be full of fake people. So, focus on nurturing relationships with those who truly care about you. - Gradual distance
Gradually distance yourself from fake friends to minimize their impact on your life. Remember you need true and genuine friends.
As you cut off them gradually, lean on your true friends, family or a therapist for guidance and emotional support. You should also prioritize your own well-being by doing everything that brings you joy and fulfilment. Most importantly, use experience to develop better judgment in choosing friends and recognizing genuine connections.