What is a toxic friend?
A toxic friend is someone who makes you feel bad about yourself, someone who tends to be critical of you, rather in a subtle way and not so subtle. A friend who drains you emotionally, financially, or mentally is not good for you.
We all have those friends. In the beginning, there may have been some type of connection. And it may have been great for years. But now, you may have outgrown each other, maybe you’ve made different life choices, or maybe you really weren’t friends to begin with. Whatever the reason, it’s time to get rid of your toxic friend. Rather you are starting college for the first time or returning to school. Start the semester off right.
Well, let’s just say, at this point in the friendship, it seems her/his negative attributes outweigh her positive attributes. And that means, you just don’t need her/him in your life any longer.
Sometimes you may have a toxic friend in your life and not realize it until later. All the signs were there, but you didn’t recognize them.
My years at KSU was wonderful, I had great times, sad times, crying times and a toxic friend. She was always putting me down. Whether it was out in the open and obvious, or a subtle jab. It was always followed by a little chuckle so I didn’t realize it was actually aimed at me intentionally. So I ignore it and sometimes laughed with her. To me, the friendship seemed OK. So I took the “you’re too skinny”, “why don’t you eat more”, and “why do you have to spend all your time with your boyfriend” comments in stride.
When I would mention to others what she said to me, their responses were always, “What? She said what?” And I would defend her. She was my friend. She didn’t mean it that way. They didn’t know her like I did. But I know now, her actions were intentional. I just was overlooking them. I started noticing that my desire to spend time with her was reaching the finish line. My friendship with her was toxic, and it was time to detox.
It wasn’t until after college I realized it was time for me to detox. I woke up one morning, called Cincinnati Bell to change my number. Wrote a letter about moving on, went to the post office and sent the letter certified to ensure delivery. I had just detox. Whew, what a great feeling. I was ready for the world, a fresh new college graduate and a world of opportunities.
When I look back, the power of hindsight offered some clues that this friendship was toxic from the start. I don't think there was much that I could have done, because some people just cannot stop their desire to bring sadness or negativity to ones life.
We all have those friends. In the beginning, there may have been some type of connection. And it may have been great for years. But now, you may have outgrown each other, maybe you’ve made different life choices, or maybe you really weren’t friends to begin with. Whatever the reason, it’s time to get rid of your toxic friend. Rather you are starting college for the first time or returning to school. Start the semester off right.
Well, let’s just say, at this point in the friendship, it seems her/his negative attributes outweigh her positive attributes. And that means, you just don’t need her/him in your life any longer.
Sometimes you may have a toxic friend in your life and not realize it until later. All the signs were there, but you didn’t recognize them.
My years at KSU was wonderful, I had great times, sad times, crying times and a toxic friend. She was always putting me down. Whether it was out in the open and obvious, or a subtle jab. It was always followed by a little chuckle so I didn’t realize it was actually aimed at me intentionally. So I ignore it and sometimes laughed with her. To me, the friendship seemed OK. So I took the “you’re too skinny”, “why don’t you eat more”, and “why do you have to spend all your time with your boyfriend” comments in stride.
When I would mention to others what she said to me, their responses were always, “What? She said what?” And I would defend her. She was my friend. She didn’t mean it that way. They didn’t know her like I did. But I know now, her actions were intentional. I just was overlooking them. I started noticing that my desire to spend time with her was reaching the finish line. My friendship with her was toxic, and it was time to detox.
It wasn’t until after college I realized it was time for me to detox. I woke up one morning, called Cincinnati Bell to change my number. Wrote a letter about moving on, went to the post office and sent the letter certified to ensure delivery. I had just detox. Whew, what a great feeling. I was ready for the world, a fresh new college graduate and a world of opportunities.
When I look back, the power of hindsight offered some clues that this friendship was toxic from the start. I don't think there was much that I could have done, because some people just cannot stop their desire to bring sadness or negativity to ones life.
If you are having a similar experience in college, get rid of your friend now. Enjoy your college years. You will feel better both physically and spiritually. Evolve to a higher level of education, detox a toxic friend today. A Message from your
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