In this blog post, we'll explore the 10 traits of a good friend versus a toxic friend to help you identify which type of friend you have in your life.
1) A good friend is honest
When it comes to friendship, honesty is always the best policy. Honesty is an essential trait of a good friend. They tell you what they think and feel, even if it's not what you want to hear. They don't try to manipulate or control you.
A good friend is honest, and that honesty will be reciprocated. They're there for you no matter what. They'll give you their honest opinion even if it's not what you want to hear because they know that will help you in the long run. They don't lie to spare your feelings, and they don't use your secrets against you.
2) A good friend is reliable
Reliable friends are trustworthy and dependable. They keep their word and always show up when you need them most. When you need someone to count on, a good friend is a person to turn to.
You can rely on a good friend to be there for you in difficult times, to listen without judgment, and to offer advice when asked. They don't make promises they can't keep and won't abandon you in a moment of need.
A good friend knows how important it is to be reliable and takes pride in being there for you, no matter what. A faithful friend is also understanding and respectful. They don't take your loyalty for granted and ensure they are always there for you.
Ultimately, having a reliable friend is one of life's best things. It brings comfort, security, and peace of mind, knowing that someone will always be there for you when you need them the most.
3) A good friend is supportive
Having a supportive friend is one of the most essential traits of any good friendship. A good friend will be there to listen when you need to vent, encourage you when you need motivation, and help you through tough times. Having a supportive friend is invaluable and is one of the most rewarding aspects of any good company.
They will provide a shoulder to cry on, someone to confide in, and always be willing to lend a hand. Good friends help you see the brighter side of things and push you to reach your goals. They understand that life can be difficult and are always there to provide support and guidance.
4) A good friend is someone you can rely on
Having a reliable friend who you can depend on is invaluable. A good friend will always be there for you in need, offering support and comfort. They'll listen without judgment and provide advice when asked. A good friend will never leave you in the lurch but will be there to help in any way possible.
You can rely on a good friend to be there for you in good times and bad. They won't flake on plans or promises and won't let you down. You can trust that a good friend will be there when you need them, even if it's just for a shoulder to cry on.
5) A good friend is someone who makes you feel good about yourself
Having a good friend who makes you feel good about yourself is invaluable. A true friend is someone who is supportive, encouraging, and kind. They offer compliments and positive reinforcement instead of being critical and judgmental.
They are honest with you about your strengths and weaknesses but always with an uplifting and kind attitude. They strive to bring out the best in you and support you in achieving your goals. When things get tough, they remind you of your worth and give you a comforting hug or a supportive word. A true friend will be there to celebrate your successes and pick you up when you feel down.
A good friend will make you feel like you can conquer anything.
6) A toxic friend is jealous
Jealousy is a common trait of a toxic friend. They may be jealous of your successes, talents, relationships, or possessions and become jealous when spending time with other friends or family members.
A toxic friend will often make it clear that they don't want you to have any other close relationships and will comment about the people in your life they feel threatened by. They may also try to make you feel guilty for spending time away from them or doing something that doesn't involve them.
If you notice that your friend is constantly jealous of what you do, it may be a sign that they're not interested in being your friend.
7) A toxic friend is manipulative
Manipulative friends are often hard to spot until it's too late. They may appear friendly and supportive, but their real agenda is usually hidden. A manipulative friend may try to control the relationship by demanding attention, isolating you from other relationships, or manipulating your feelings.
A manipulative friend may try to convince you to do something you don't want, make you feel guilty for not doing what they want, or even threaten to end the friendship if you don't comply. They may also use guilt or emotional blackmail to get what they want. It's important to recognize when a friend is manipulating you so you can take steps to protect yourself.
By recognizing their manipulative behaviour and refusing to be manipulated, you can protect yourself from the damaging effects of toxic friends.
8) A toxic friend is always negative
A toxic friend is someone who never has anything positive to say. They will always point out the negative in any situation and won't be shy about sharing their opinion. They may criticize your decisions or put down your ideas without offering any constructive advice. This can incredibly damage a person's self-confidence, making it difficult for them to trust other people in the future.
At best, a toxic friend's negative attitude can lead to an unhealthy dynamic between you. At worst, it can lead to depression and anxiety. If you're feeling down, a toxic friend is not the right person to turn to. Instead, seek out the support of someone who can offer you comfort and positivity.
9) A toxic friend is self-centred
A toxic friend prioritizes their own needs and desires over those of others. They are always looking out for themselves and rarely concern themselves with the well-being of those around them. They may try to manipulate or control you to get what they want, and they may even use guilt to make you do things they want.
They are often selfish and unkind and are not likely to be reliable sources of support. They may take advantage of you and your time, expecting you to bend to their wishes without regard for your own needs or feelings. Recognizing these traits in a friend is essential to protecting yourself from any potential harm they may cause.
10) A toxic friend is always ready to criticize
Criticism from a good friend is meant to help you improve and grow. The purpose is always to make you feel like you need to improve. A toxic friend, on the other hand, uses criticism as a tool to belittle and make you feel small. They often find fault in everything you do, whether minor or insignificant. They may even point out things you have not noticed or thought of before.
A toxic friend is always ready to criticize to boost their ego. They want to make themselves feel better by making you feel worse. This behaviour can severely damage your self-esteem and have long-term consequences on your overall well-being.
The best way to handle a toxic friend who is always ready to criticize is to distance yourself from them. Let them know that this behaviour is unacceptable and that you will not tolerate it. If the behaviour persists, ending the friendship for your peace of mind is best.
