Toxic Friendships
3 Types You Should Always Avoid
Toxic friendships don’t always start out that way. Some begin with laughs, shared history, or convenience. Over time, though, they start to chip away at your energy. You walk away from conversations feeling heavier than when you walked in, wondering what happened.
If you’ve ever found yourself holding back good news because you’re bracing for guilt, drama, or a quick change of subject, you’ve likely been in one of these less-than-stellar relationships. Recognizing what’s happening is the first step toward protecting your peace and keeping your circle solid.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
You know the type. One minute it’s a casual chat, the next you’re knee-deep in a meltdown that came out of nowhere. No warning, just whiplash. Their emotions hit like a wave, and suddenly, your time and energy are tied up in calming their storm.
Ask yourself:
Are you constantly playing counselor?
or
Does their drama override your own life?
Supporting a friend is one thing. Being their emotional safety net, every time, is another.
The Never-Ending Story
Some people seem to be addicted to drama. Every conversation picks up where the last crisis left off. The story never ends, and you’re always expected to listen, react, and care at full volume.
Reflect on:
Do the same problems keep coming up, without change?
or
Are you more of an audience than a friend?
If their chaos has become your background noise, it might be time to step back.
The Energy Drain
You sit down feeling fine. By the end, you’re completely zapped. These conversations don’t just run long—they run deep into your reserves. Negativity, complaining, emotional dumping—it all adds up fast.
Consider:
Are you mentally wiped after talking to them?
or
Does your mood shift just from being around them?
Friendships should help you recharge, not burn you out.
Cutting ties doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you someone who’s finally choosing to take care of yourself. You don’t owe anyone unlimited access to your time, energy, or emotional bandwidth. The people in your life should lift you up, not leave you drained. Start noticing what you’ve been tolerating.
Set boundaries that reflect your worth. And if needed, walk away without looking back.
You deserve a real connection, not a constant storm cloud in disguise.
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*Health and wellness coaches engage in evidence-based, client-centered processes that facilitate and empower clients to develop and achieve self-determined, health and wellness goals. We do not diagnose, interpret medical data, prescribe or de-prescribe, recommend supplements, provide nutrition consultation or create meal plans, provide exercise prescription or instruction, consult and advise, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions or treatment.
