Having friends, true friends can be a wonderful feeling. The bond that you create can often last a lifetime. These are the people who are there for you through the good times and the bad. They are the shoulder to cry on when you need it. And if you’ve ever had one of those nights, well they can hold your hair back as you are puking your guts out into a toilet.
But then there are those soul-sucking toxic friends. The ones who just can’t seem to get a grip on their own shit. The ones who without reason, always seemed to be involved in some mess. They always make terrible choices, then whine about how sucky their life is.
We have all had these friends in our life at during one season or another.
More than likely if you are reading this, the name or names of those friends have probably crossed your mind. If so and they are no longer in your life, then congratulations on getting rid of toxic friendships.
However, if they are still in your life, here is a virtual ((hug)). I know how it is. The key to being happy and successful is making sure that you keep people in your circle who are going to add to your life, not take away from it.
Here are five types of people that you should keep out of your life.
Negative Nancy, Nellie, Natalia, Nina
This is the friend who is just always whining about something. It’s almost as if it is second nature to them. The sky is constantly falling. You can be on top of the world and the moment you talk to this friend, they manage to find someway to drag you down right along with them. If this type of person is in your life, then I suggest you distance yourself as much as possible. There are some folks who only see the glass half empty; if that’s not you then this is not an ideal friendship for you.
High & Mighty
This is the friend that thinks their shit don’t stink; to put it lightly. They never miss a moment to criticize you or casually let you know that they have done something better than you. Competitive isn’t even the word to describe this type of friend. They always want to show you an everyone else up. If you have a friend who just won’t (or can’t) let you be great, then you don’t need them.
The “What You Can Do For Me” Friend
You think they are calling to catch up, but they ever so slyly decide to ask you for something. They never call you unless they need something. Self-serving friendships never work out. Any type of one-sided relationship with anyone is not healthy.
It’s okay to help friends out when they need it. But there are some people who are natural users and abusers. Those are the types of people you want to steer clear of. They will suck the life out of you faster than a dementor.
Know’s More Than You/One Upper
This friend always has something to say. They know everything about everything, and instead of being a listening ear or whatever you need in that moment, they feel the need to offer unsolicited advice. These types of “friends” are the most critical. In their eyes, you (and everyone else), does everything wrong.
If you have this type of friend (or family member), then you have to make sure that you are firm with them. Don’t let them run all over you.
Make You Feel Like Crap Friend
Akin to the Negative Nancy, this friend always seems to make you feel bad whenever you talk to them. This is another type of friend that just won’t let you be great. This friend feels the need to always keep a conversation going that involves drama. This is the type of friend that you have to stop dead in their tracks when they start talking, just so you don’t end up in a drama filled conversation.
We all want to have a stress-free life, filled with great fun and people, right? Life is too short to have people in your life that won’t do you any good.
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
