Friendships should make you feel supported, safe, and valued. But sometimes, a friendship can start to feel more hurtful than helpful. If a friend constantly brings you down, stresses you out, or makes you feel bad about yourself—it might be a toxic friendship.
Let’s talk about what toxic friendships look like and what you can do to protect your mental and emotional well-being.
💔 What Is a Toxic Friendship?
A toxic friendship is one where the relationship feels more draining than uplifting. Instead of building each other up, one person often manipulates, criticizes, or controls the other. It doesn’t mean the person is “bad,” but their behaviour can be harmful.
Signs of a Toxic Friend
Here are some common red flags:
1. They Make You Feel Bad About Yourself
They put you down, make fun of you in front of others, or constantly criticize you—even if they call it “just joking.”
2. It’s Always About Them
They only reach out when they need something and rarely ask how you’re doing. The friendship feels one-sided.
3. They Guilt-Trip You
They make you feel bad for setting boundaries or spending time with other people.
4. They’re Controlling or Manipulative
They try to control who you hang out with, what you do, or how you think. They might twist situations to make you feel like the “bad guy.”
5. They Don’t Respect Boundaries
If you ask for space or say “no” to something, they ignore your wishes or get angry.
6. They Spread Rumours or Gossip
If they talk behind your back, share your secrets, or stir up drama, it’s a big red flag.
💬 What You Can Do
1. Trust Your Feelings
If a friendship feels wrong or exhausting, it’s okay to listen to that feeling. Your emotions are valid.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
You have the right to say “no,” to ask for space, or to set limits on how you’re treated. Example: “I don’t like it when you make fun of me like that. Please stop.”
3. Talk It Out (If You Feel Safe)
Sometimes people don’t realize they’re hurting others. If it feels safe, have an honest conversation about how you’re feeling.
Keep it calm, respectful, and focus on how you feel—not on blaming.
4. Distance Yourself
If nothing changes or the friend reacts badly, it’s okay to step back or even end the friendship. Protecting your mental health comes first.
5. Get Support
You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to a trusted adult, school counsellor, or reach out to a helpline (like us!).
🌱 Remember
You deserve to have friends who support you, respect you, and make you feel good about yourself. Healthy friendships bring out the best in both people—not the worst.
Walking away from a toxic friendship isn’t a failure. It’s self-care.
📞 Need Someone to Talk To?
At TeensHelpline, we’re here to support you. Whether you’re unsure about a friendship, going through something tough, or just need someone to listen—we’re always here.
Reach out to us anytime. You’re not alone. 💙