Toxic Friends

Written by: luminoUS

 

Toxic, an adjective meaning poisonous; of or relating to poison. Such a small word, but staggering in its effects on us as people. When most hear the word “toxic”, the grim image of a rustic skull and bones comes to mind, but how is it that this symbol that once warned of danger is embraced as a symbol of status? An icon of cool, if you will. So, it is easy enough to assume that friends, like hazardous material or chemicals, that bear this signage are okay to tamper with. Or is it?

 

Don’t forget to check yourself when searching and evaluating your friend base, because you may be sleeping
with the enemy and be the toxic friend.

 

With age I am starting to realize that most have no idea of the true meaning, let alone concept, of friendship and this ideology leads to what some may categorize as “toxic friends”. A friend is one who has your best interest at heart. You know them well, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you spend every waking moment with them. You love them for who they are and that love is reciprocal. They stand by you during hard times and laugh with you when times are full of joy. They may even give you a laugh or two to lighten your spirit when it is needed. All in all, there is a sense of camaraderie. This, however, doesn’t mean that there won’t be any disagreements or there won’t be any turbulence, but, in the end, love will prevail.

 

The key to it all is to know where your friends and enemies take up camp. But, beware that a few enemies will breach security and infiltrate your home base. Always remember that there will be posers and fakers; the ones who will pretend to be your friend for the sole purpose of trying to sabotage your well-being. Some do it for no more than seeing you suffer and fall into a pit of misery. Many label them “frenemies”, but, regardless of the title, they wear their disguise well. Now, by no means am I saying that you should always be so guarded that you block everyone out and I definitely don’t want to turn anyone into a cynic. I simply want people to be mindful that every kiss isn’t one of endearment and everyone that requests to be your friend isn’t seeking friendship. Discernment is a wonderful tool; you should tune in and use it quite often.

 

I simply want people to be mindful that every kiss isn’t one of endearment and everyone that request to be your friend isn’t seeking friendship. Discernment is a wonderful tool; you should tune in and use it quite often.

 

Here are 6 types of friends that you should be aware of: the promise breaker, the double-crosser, the self-absorbed, the discloser, the competitor, and the fault-finder. The promise breaker constantly lets you down and breaks promises. The double-crosser does just that: double-cross you, whether verbally by spreading rumors or stop speaking to you without any eXplanation. The self-absorbed type never makes time to listen to anything you have to say and will constantly turn the conversation back on them. The discloser never keeps anything to him or herself and will find the quickest means to disclose the secrets that you have shared with them. The competitor is always out to outdo you. The fault-finder finds something wrong with everything that you do with any recourse. True, we all may display a mild side of one or two of these qualities because no man is perfect, but, if there is a prevailing pattern of any or all of these within your friendship, an evaluation may need to take place.

 

Friends are good to have in your corner in addition to enjoying fun times with, but anyone posing as your friend is enough to drain your energy and bring you down. All friendships may not be 50/50, but if you are constantly on the tipping edge of the half and the other person is making no attempts at meeting you to balance things out, they may be a bit toxic. Don’t forget to check yourself when searching and evaluating your friend base, because you may be sleeping with the enemy and be the toxic friend.

 

Much peace, love and light

 

 

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