Ways To Recognise A Bad Friend

By Padmapreetham Mahalingam

Philosopher Thomas Aquinas was right about the value of friendship -"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." Friends can be inspiring, motivational and a source of strength at hard times, yet they can also ruin your peace and annoy you when you need them.

According to recent studies it is found that people who have good friends live longer, are happier and find it easier to face challenges.

Ways To Recognise A Bad Friend

How do you identify the difference between a good and bad friend? Good friends help reduce stress, improve your self-esteem and help cope with trauma during bad times.

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However bad friends can leave you completely drained out by messing up with your life. The friends that you considered your best buddies once can let you down with betrayal and disappointment when you least expect it.

Bad friends can suck the life out of you emotionally and mentally, and it is really best to cut them off. Always make sure to cleverly recognise a bad friend and never trust anyone completely on face value.

All of us would have had our share of terrible experiences with bad friends. Once you spot a bad friend, it is better to end the relationship before it is too late. Here are some signs of a bad friend that can help you get rid of them.

Dominating or bossy
In the real world, friendship is all about mutual respect between two individuals who are both equally in sync with each other's needs and wants. But sometimes this balance doesn't seem to exist. Friends need to share love and affection and if by any chance your pal is always dominating you and is bossy by nature, it is a sign of a bad friend. In case your friend constantly behaves like a dictator, there is no point in mollycoddling the bad friend and becoming a part of their entourage.

Embarrasses you
Does your friend try at every juncture to offend you and make you look bad in front of everyone even though you show your discomfort? Spotting their unfriendly traits is a way to recognise a bad friend. If your friend has a tendency to make you feel small, puts you down when other people are around and makes you lose confidence it is a sign of a bad friend.

Always busy
Do you always talk to your friend? Have you ever made time for each other to meet and discuss your lives? A friend has to make you feel important and give you the much need attention. If your friend doesn't care about your happiness, problems or opinions and never makes time for you then this friendship is probably not worth your time.

Stay away from a mean friend
If your friend is mean to you and makes jibes at you all the time, it is a sign of a bad friend. A mean friend likes to constantly push you around to fulfill his/her desires and take advantage of your friendliness and good nature. They even try to belittle your achievements behind your back. You don't need friends that only make you feel miserable.

Gossipmonger
A true friend is one who admires you for what you are and says nice things about you. He/she should also maintain the same level of trustfulness when you're not around and shouldn't say nasty things behind your back. These are the usual signs to recognise a bad friend.

No one would prefer to keep a friend who does harm and bad mouths you. There are some good and bad friends, it is always better to shun people who can do more harm than good for you.

Story first published: Thursday, January 9, 2014, 19:04 [IST]
Read more about: friendship relationship advice