The people you choose to have in your life are so important. They can elevate you, encourage you, push you to reach your full potential and live your best lives. However, being with the wrong people can have the opposite effect. We all have the choice in who we let into our lives and It’s always important to take time to reflect on people we surround ourselves with. Here are some signs that you need new friends.
Signs You Need New Friends #1: Your Friendship is one sided
Relationships should not be one-sided but mutually supportive. If you find that you are in a friendship where you are always the one reaching out, the only one planning events, the only one who actively listens and the only one who ’s emotionally supportive, then it’s time to move on and find new friends. Friendship shouldn’t be emotionally draining and exploitative. You should be able to depend on your friends for mutual emotional support and encouragement. If they are always taking and never giving in return then those are not the people you should have in your life
Signs You Need New Friends #2: Your Friendship is toxic
“When people show you who they are, believe them” This is my favorite quote from Maya Angelou and one that I continue to live by. When people show you that they are toxic and don’t have your best interest at heart then it’s time for you to reconsider if you want them to be in your life. Also, beware of trauma bonding i.e loyalty to someone who is destructive. It can be friends who constantly put you in dangerous and uncomfortable situations, and constantly make terrible life choices yet you feel guilty and stuck because you think you have to be there for them. You can’t make people change if they don’t want to and if you’ve tried talking to them and having a conversation, and nothing changes it’s time for you to leave.
Signs You Need New Friends #3: You’ve grown apart
Growing apart from your friends is just a part of life. There are some friends you don’t see a lot but when you get together it’s like no time has passed at all. Then there are some friends that you used to talk to all the time however as time has passed you realize that you have nothing in common and nothing of substance to talk about. Once you get to this point, you can always take time to find common ground, maybe start a new hobby together. However, sometimes it’s just best to let them go and accept that they were a part of your life and that chapter is now over.
Signs You Need New Friends #4: You are Going in different directions
As we get older (especially in your twenties) we begin to see our friendships change and evolve. While it’s not a bad thing that you pursuing different dreams and goals (as you are always able to support each other) However, when your friends begin to move in different directions that are detrimental to your path and your success then you have to let go.
People come and go and it’s okay. Just make sure to take the time to appreciate the people you do have in your life and remain open to meeting new people.
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Comment: What have your experiences been with changing friendship?
When a friend is constantly using small negative comments and adding a “You know I’m just playing” or a “lol/j/k” to the text, just know that it’s time to evaluate the friendship because obviously something is being said without being said.
Yes totally agree with you! especially when they use that as a way to justify a mean or hurtful comment/action