Signs That It’s Time To Let Go Of A Best Friend

1. Building Bridges or Burning Them Down?

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Trust is the cornerstone of any lasting friendship, but when that sacred bond is shattered by secrets and deceit, it leaves you questioning if the drama is worth it. Can you rebuild what's broken, or is it better to let go and find a more trustworthy connection? It's essential to have open, honest conversations and gauge if your bestie is willing to regain your confidence. But if the betrayal is repetitive and genuine remorse is scarce, it might be time to cut ties with the drama and seek friendships built on a solid foundation of trust and respect. Check out our list to see if its time to let go of that bestfriend!

2. Frenemies in Disguise

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Brace yourself for a friendship meltdown! If your so-called bestie keeps stabbing you in the back with betrayal after betrayal, it's like being caught in a never-ending drama. It's time to put your emotional well-being first and say goodbye to the toxic connections. Real friends uplift and support each other, not play mind games for their amusement!

3. Toxic Vibes Galore

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In a true friendship, positivity and support are vital, but if your supposed BFF brings constant negativity into your life, it's like being trapped in a whirlwind of drama. Don't let their pessimism drag you down. Surround yourself with friends who uplift your spirits and create a positive environment. If they can't find joy in your happiness and are always spreading doom and gloom, it might be time to distance yourself from the negativity and seek out more uplifting connections!

4. Cheerleaders or Critics?

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Your bestie should be your biggest cheerleader, rooting for your dreams and celebrating your successes. If support is scarce and their criticisms outweigh their encouragement, it's like being surrounded by secret critics. True friends are there for each other, celebrating achievements and providing a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Don't settle for a friendship where your accomplishments are downplayed.

5. Give and Take, Not Take and Take!

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Friendships are meant to be a two-way street, but if you find yourself constantly giving, supporting, and never receiving the same effort in return, it's like a one-sided show with you as the main act. A healthy friendship should involve equal investment and care from both parties. Evaluate the dynamic and see if your BFF is willing to reciprocate. If not, it might be time to find friends who cherish and value your friendship as much as you do theirs.

6. Talking it Out or Ghosting it Out?

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Effective communication is the glue that holds friendships together. But if your BFF avoids discussing important matters or goes silent when you need them, it's like being emotionally ghosted. Open and honest dialogue is key to resolving conflicts and understanding each other's needs. Have a heart-to-heart with your friend and see if they're willing to address the issues. If not, it might be time to move on!

7. Queen Bee or Drama Queen?

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Respect is a fundamental aspect of any friendship. If your supposed bestie acts like a mean girl, constantly belittling you and disregarding your boundaries, it's like a drama queen ruling your world. You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect and if they are any friend they would do that. Surround yourself with friends who uplift and cherish you, not those who constantly put you down.

8. Friends or Foes in Disguise?

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Friendly competition can be fun, but when it turns into a toxic rivalry, it's like a showdown of foes in disguise. Friendship shouldn’t be a constant competition or a continual anxiety of trying to one up the other person. True friends should celebrate each other's accomplishments and support each other's growth. If your bestie is constantly trying to one-up you or belittle your achievements, it could be the time to ditch them!

9. Authenticity or Acting?

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Manipulation has no place in a healthy friendship. Straight up. If your supposed bestie uses tricks and mind games to control you or to get their own way, then they are probably really toxic and you need to get away from them. True friends accept and support each other without hidden agendas. Seek out authentic connections built on trust and mutual respect.

10. Influencers or Detractors?

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Calling out toxicity is such a big thing right now! We are starting to call our “friends” out for their mistreatment of us and our best friends should be no exception! A true friend should inspire you to be your best self, not lead you astray and make you feel uncomfortable with toxic traits or habits. If your bestie's a bad influence has become like being entangled in a toxic tango, then this might have to be the last dance!

11. Green-Eyed Monsters in the Friendship Jungle

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In the realm of friendship, jealousy and envy act as troublesome "green-eyed monsters." They should never be allowed a seat at the friendship table. When your so-called best friend can't wholeheartedly rejoice in your accomplishments, it creates unnecessary drama in the friendship. It's essential to surround yourself with friends who genuinely uplift you and wholeheartedly root for your happiness!

12. Lack of Empathy

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In the tapestry of friendship, empathy weaves the strongest threads. A BFF who lacks emotional understanding and remains distant creates an emotional desert. Seek friends whose hearts are as warm as gold, offering unwavering support during your toughest times. A true friend listens, understands, and shares in both your joys and sorrows, making your bond stronger and more meaningful.

13. Energizers or Energy Vampires?

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Genuine friendships are like energizing elixirs, fueling your spirit and lifting you higher. But if your supposed bestie constantly leaves you emotionally drained, it's like playing a friendship drain game. Surround yourself with friends who bring positivity, laughter, and uplifting vibes, charging you up rather than sapping your energy. True friends understand the give-and-take of emotional support and contribute to each other's well-being!

14. Invested or Indifferent?

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The heart of a real BFF beats with genuine curiosity about your life, dreams, and passions. If your bestie appears disinterested or like everything in the world revolves around her, it feels like a distant connection your always trying to catch up to. Friends who genuinely care, actively engaging in your world, offering a listening ear, and celebrating your milestones are what you need in your life!

15. Reliable or Running Late?

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Reliability is the cornerstone of a lasting friendship. If your supposed bestie frequently flakes out and fails to be there when you need them, it feels like a they don’t care – and honestly they probably dont. Its important to surround yourself with friends who value your time and commitments, showing up when it matters most. A reliable friend is dependable, trustworthy, and stands by your side through thick and thin, fostering a bond built on mutual respect and reliability.

16. Respect Boundaries or Time Thieves?

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Nothing is more precious than your time, its one of the only things we can never get back when lost and a true friend should cherish that time spent on them. If your BFF constantly disregards your schedule and keeps you waiting, it's like a thief at work. Set boundaries and surround yourself with friends who respect your time and prioritize your friendship, no more squandering precious resources!

17. Acceptance or Judgment Zone?

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A real friend accepts you as you are, without judgment. When your supposed bestie is always criticizing you and making you feel inadequate, it's like stepping into a judgment zone. Your self-esteem takes a hit, and you find yourself constantly questioning your worth. True friends embrace your uniqueness, quirks, and flaws, lifting you up with positivity. They see the beauty in your individuality and celebrate your journey without trying to mold you into someone you're not!

18. Values Vortex

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In a strong friendship, values should align, not clash. But when your BFF's beliefs differ drastically from yours, it's like being sucked into a values vortex. Core values are the foundation of who you are and guide your choices and actions. If your bestie's values are in direct opposition to yours, it can lead to constant disagreements and conflicts. This doesn't mean you have to agree on everything, but a fundamental alignment of values will ensure a deeper connection and mutual respect in your friendship!

19. Bridging the Gap

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Shared interests are the glue that bonds friendships, but when your supposed bestie's hobbies are worlds apart from yours, it's like an interest mismatch. It becomes challenging to find common ground or engage in activities that excite both of you. While having different interests can be enriching, having at least a few shared passions helps strengthen your connection. Seek friends who share your passions and make life more exciting with shared experiences and activities!

20. Embracing Change

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As time goes on, people change, and friendships evolve. If you and your BFF find yourselves on different paths and drifting apart, it's like experiencing growing pains. It's natural to feel a sense of loss when a long-term friendship transforms. However, embracing this change can open doors to new opportunities and connections. Cherish the memories you've shared and the growth you've experienced together, but also be open to making room for new friendships that align with your current life stage and interests.

21. Radiating Positivity or Drowning in Drama?

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A true friendship should bring joy and positivity into your life, not drain your emotional energy. When your supposed bestie's a drama magnet, constantly bringing negativity into your life, it's like a joy drain. The constant emotional roller coaster leaves you exhausted and emotionally depleted. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift your spirits, provide a listening ear, and offer genuine support during challenging times. Being with them should leave you feeling energized and inspired, not emotionally drained!

22. Escalating Drama

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Conflicts are a normal part of any relationship, but how they're handled can make or break a friendship. When you and your BFF avoid addressing conflicts, it's like being caught in a battlefield of drama. Ignoring issues doesn't make them disappear; instead, they fester and create emotional distance between you. Decide if you can work towards resolution or if the issues are becoming a roadblock in your friendship!

23. Warmth or Emotional Desert?

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A real friend offers a shoulder to cry on and emotional comfort during challenging times, not emotional coldness. When your BFF is emotionally distant and unsupportive, it's like navigating an emotional desert. True friends provide warmth and genuine care during your toughest moments. They lend a listening ear and offer empathy and understanding without judgment. Surround yourself with friends who value your feelings and are there for you when you need them the most!

24. Lack of Personal Growth

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In a true friendship, growth should be encouraged and celebrated, not hindered. When your supposed bestie holds you back and stifles your personal development, it's like encountering growth stunters. True friends inspire and support your journey towards becoming the best version of yourself. They cheer you on in your endeavors and provide constructive feedback to help you reach your full potential. Seek friends who believe in your capabilities and encourage you to chase your dreams fearlessly!

25. Honoring Space or Crossing Lines?

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Your boundaries are sacred, and a true friend respects them. When your BFF consistently crosses the line and disregards your limits, it's like experiencing a boundary invasion. A healthy friendship requires setting clear boundaries and surrounding yourself with friends who honor and understand your need for personal space and limits. True friends respect your boundaries and never push you beyond what you're comfortable with.

26. Taking Advantage

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A real friendship is built on give-and-take, not exploitation. If your supposed bestie takes advantage of your kindness and generosity, it's like witnessing manipulation mayhem. True friends appreciate your support and are willing to reciprocate with love and kindness. While giving without expecting anything in return is commendable, there should be a balance in the friendship, where both parties contribute and support each other's needs!

27. One-Way Street

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A true friendship is a two-way street, not a one-way road. If you're always giving without receiving, it's like navigating a give-and-take showdown. We’re not just talking about physical things like borrowing clothes, some people are just energy vampires! Friendships thrive on mutual support and care. Seek friends who genuinely support and care for you, as you do for them. When both parties invest equally in the relationship, it creates a deeper and more meaningful connection!

28. Hidden Agendas?

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Feeling used by your supposed bestie is like a betrayal in disguise. True friendships are built on authenticity and genuine connections. Seek friends who cherish and value you for who you are, not those with hidden motives or selfish intentions. When you surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being, your friendships become a source of strength and support!

29. Aligned Goals or Conflicting Dreams

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In a strong friendship, priorities should align, not conflict. If your BFF's chasing different dreams and their goals diverge from yours, it's like experiencing priorities chaos. While it's healthy to have individual ambitions, fundamental alignment of values and priorities strengthens the friendship. Surround yourself with friends who share your visions and are supportive of your aspirations, as you are of theirs. Its okay to want different for yourself!

30. Lastly..

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Last but not least, a genuine friendship should infuse your life with happiness and joy, not play a joy-draining game. Surround yourself with friends who radiate positivity and make every moment together a delightful experience. You deserve authentic connections that uplift your spirits and fill your life with happiness and love. Embrace friendships with individuals who genuinely care about your well-being and add value to your life through their presence and support. Let go of draining relationships and create space for genuine connections that bring out the best in you!

31. They have new friends

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There's nothing wrong with making new friends down new paths of life, but this is your bestie we're talking about - so if you've noticed that suddenly they have a new best friend and they no longer have time for you, or you've noticed them becoming more and more distant after meeting new people, it might be time you realized what was happening and distance yourself.

32. They only talk to you when something bad happened

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Your best friend should want to talk to you about the good news as well as the bad, about the everyday good things that happen and not just a horrible day. But if the only contact you're getting from them is to moan about something that happened to them, it could be a sign they're not actually interested in the friendship, they're just using you to dump on.

33. They cancel on you last minute

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Things happen that can't be helped, but it's all about how often they're doing this - and why. Cancelling last minute because they're stuck in traffic or something awful just happened? No problem. Cancelling last minute because they want to hang out with someone else and don't care about the time you took out of your day? Definitely a problem!

34. They're insecure about your time spent with others

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It could actually go in a different direction, where all they want to do is spend time with you. This at first seems okay, and that's why you're besties, because they seem to really love being around you and want to spend time with you. But how do they react if you spend time with family or other friends without them? If they switch and say nasty things or sulk, it's a red flag the friendship isn't authentic.

35. Are they only friends with you to get something?

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Have you been noticing that they might only be friends with you because they're using you for money, seeing as you always offer to pay the bill, or do you have connections at work in an employment field they're looking for? Maybe you know someone they're crushing on and they want to get in! Either way, seems like they're not actually your best friend, and just using you.

36. They weren't there for you at your worst

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It's all well and good a friend being the most amazing, best friend ever when everything is peachy. But has something happened in your life that saw you at your lowest, where your best friend was nowhere in sight? You can learn a lot about a person for how they treat you during your lowest moments. You don't want a best friend who isn't there for you at your worst.

37. Their true colors came out of nowhere

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You might have been best friends with this person for years and years, without any real issues happening in your life or anything you're struggling with. Now, something's happened in your life that has never happened before, and you feel like you're suddenly seeing your friend for the first time clearly based on their off-putting reaction. Maybe you've been friends with a misleading version all along!

38. Your gut is telling you so

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Your gut should always be trusted. Sometimes you just know, with that awful feeling deep down in your gut, that the friendship has run its course and you can't be best friends with this person any longer. You just have this feeling that things have changed - and that's okay! It's tough to admit to that, but at the end of the day, trust that niggling feeling in your gut.

39. You have the friend ick

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We know you can get slapped with the ick in a relationship out of nowhere, but did you know you can also get a platonic ick, too? It can happen unexpectedly and completely change your view of a person. They might say or do something that makes you think completely differently about them, maybe even make you feel disgusted, and there's no going back from that!

40. They're trying to change you as a person

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Sometimes people can make friends with others and try and mould them to how they want them to be, and often this can be because they care about appearances and what other people might think. A best friend should never try to change you, and should accept you for who you are, so don't ignore any of their attempts to make you different or any of their 'oh you'd look cooler if you did this' inputs!

41. You feel stressed about hanging out with them

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Making plans with friends can sometimes be stressful, but what's key here is how and why they're making it difficult. Do they purposefully make it as hard as possible to make plans with them because they give off the vibe they don't want to? Do you just feel stressed anytime you're with them, feeling like they only make your life harder rather than easy?

42. They make jokes at your expense

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There's nothing wrong with banter between friends and sly digs, but making jokes at your expense that leaves you feeling hurt is something different altogether! True best friends should never make a joke at their friend that would be laughing at them rather than with them. Over time, this can be akin to feeling bullied or exhausted from your "friend's" jibes.

43. They seem to attract negativity and drama

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Nobody wants to be around someone who just causes drama ALL THE TIME. You might feel like you never get a moment to breathe before some other dramatic incident is happening around them, or some hugely negative scene is going on. You might feel like you can never have a happy and chill experience with this friend because all they want to do is complain.

44. They always have to one-up you

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While you should feel like you can share anything with your best friend, you might have started feeling like you don't even want to share any good news with them because you know they'll try to make it about them or see it as a competition. You've started feeling protective of good things that happen to you because you don't want them to make it their goal.

45. They don't care about your privacy

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You should be able to tell your best friend a secret without worrying it's going to get spread around, but more than that, it should go without saying that when you ask them to please keep something between the two of you, they will. So if you've had them say things in group chats that you told them in confidence, then laugh it off, that's a huge amount of trust broken.

46. And they gossip about you

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They might even take it one step further and make it a mission to gossip about you to other people. They may take things you've told them in confidence and go and tell others, or they might just talk about you for no specific reason and just because they like to gossip. This could be a sign of insecurity, and - needless to say - that's no friend of yours!

47. They use peer pressure on you

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Your true friend should never pressure you into anything you don't want to do. Sure, they can encourage you and help you to get out of your comfort zone, but they shouldn't use peer pressure tactics on you to embarrass you or make you uncomfortable, like if you tell them you don't want to go out and they call you boring and won't leave you alone until you agree.

48. They never let you forget your mistakes

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Best friends should be the first to help you move on from your mistakes and never bring them up if you don't want to talk about it. So it's time to leave this "best friend" behind if all they ever do is remind you of the worst things you've done. Worse is if they use it as a way to make you feel bad, embarrass you or - even worse - bring it up in front of other people.

49. They only do things so you'll owe them one

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Friends should do things out of the kindness of their hearts because they care about the other person, not because they're keeping a mental tally of all the nice things they've done for you. So have you noticed your friend is constantly bringing up nice things they've done for you in the past when they ask you to do them a favor? It can be a form of manipulation - not what a bestie should be doing!

50. And if you bring any of this up? They don't understand

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One thing you can do before deciding once and for all whether it's time to let go of your best friend is to actually bring all these issues up with them and see if there's a way to resolve it. But when you do? They just get dismissive, angry or defensive. deny any wrongdoing, and just don't understand where you're coming from. That can be the final sign you need to let go!