Signs You Need New Friends - Page 10

One of the biggest things that drive us in our lives are our relationships, and one of the most important relationships we have are the ones with our friends. Through good times and bad, our friends are the ones we rely on for comfort during breakups and for turn-ups during our promotions. Arguably, our friends are the closest people in our lives. Which is why it can hurt us the most when we feel betrayed by them. or even when you notice simple things, like you’re growing apart or a friend seems like they’re distancing themselves from you.

If lately, you’ve been questioning whether you should put your friendship(s) on ice, check out these warning signs that are sure to answer any lingering doubts.

You’ve Outgrown Them

This is one of the most common reasons that friendships end, and honestly, it’s no one’s fault. Life happens and people grow up and ultimately outgrow each other. If you find yourself not having much to talk about anymore or if your previously common goals and interests are no longer, then it’s safe to say you’ve outgrown each other.

While some people still manage to be friends even after they’ve come to this realization, it’s still pretty hard to do because you are existing on a strictly surface level. A friendship should be all-encompassing, not something you’re involved in because you’re afraid to let go of the past.

They Don’t Listen To You

Often in a friendship group there are a myriad of personalities, some more outspoken, others more quiet and that’s fine. However, if you constantly feel frustrated because no one ever listens to you, then it might be time for a new circle.

When people that you love and care about don’t listen to you, it shows that they don’t respect your voice or value your opinion, two things that are essential if any true friendship is meant to last.

You Can’t Depend On Them

Your friends should be there for you whenever you need them, even at the most inconvenient times, but if you can’t remember the last time you were able to depend on them in your time of need, you should ask yourself if the friendship is worth saving.

Whether it’s something big or small, being a dependable friend is a trait that goes a long way to prove just how important someone is to you and if your friends lack it, they may not be the friend you deserve.

The Relationship Is One-Sided

Are you always doing for your friends, but they don’t return the favor? Do you show up for them even for the small things? Do you repeatedly inconvenience yourself to make sure they’re comfortable? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you’re right in the middle of a one-sided friendship.

No one should be doing all of the heavy-lifting in a friendship because the person with all of the pressure and responsibility begins to feel used and unappreciated. Your friendship should be evenly split between all involved because if it’s not, then you might as well just roll solo.

They Constantly Criticize You

This is something that you absolutely don’t have to put up with…especially from your so-called friends. Constructive criticism is one thing, but if your friends are constantly belittling you and hurting your feelings without acknowledging how it makes you feel, it’s time to let them go.

From your physical appearance and your job to your love life and your life choices, everything you do gets harsh and unwarranted feedback from your friends. It’s not ok and as an adult you don’t have to put up with people who are supposed to care about you, continuously making you feel small.

Your Common Interests Have Changed

Remember when you and your friends used to love to stay out and club all night? Or pick up on a moment’s notice and fly away on vacation? Or bragged about how many guys you were dating? Well, if you no longer have interest in those things, but your friends still do, you could have a problem.

In any friendship circle different interests are expected, however you have to at least have something in common that you all enjoying doing. If you can’t think of anything, this is a sign that you’ve entered a different phase in your life and your friends might have to be left behind.

They Betrayed You

This is something that can instantly and irrevocably ruin a friendship. Betrayal is hard for most of us to get over even if it comes with a sincere apology, but it’s especially difficult when the betrayal comes from a friend.

When a friend betrays your trust it’s something that you’ll always have stuck in the back of your mind out of fear that they will do it again. You won’t look at them the same after it happens and you’ll just be dragging along a dead friendship that’s on life support.

They Have Dangerous Habits

Now, your friends habits aren’t necessarily yours, but when they indulge in dangerous and/or illegal acts, it’s definitely time to call it quits on the friendship. Illegal drug use, violent crimes and addictive behavior are just some of the dangerous habits that you want to stay away from.

Additionally, by being around your friends when they engage in this dangerous behavior could make you a causality or an accomplice to something that you had nothing to do with, so it’s best to keep your distance.

You Can’t Remember Why You’re Still Friends

This is the sobering reality of it all. If you look at your friends and honestly can’t remember why you’re actually friends in the first place, then sadly you’ve already answered your own question.

We are creatures of habit and a lot of times that involves keeping people in our lives past their expiration date simply because we’re used to having them around. If they are no longer fulfilling you, adding value to your life or being the same friend they always were, you shouldn’t hesitate to say goodbye.