Friendships are some of the most important relationships that an individual should learn to build and cultivate over his lifetime. However, learning how to identify people who are the best fit for you could offer a challenge.
Finding friends is quite easy, especially for the social extroverts. The nightmare is knowing how to size up your friends so as to know which ones are the 'ride or die' kind of friends. So you really have to know where you stand with them.
Another special tool is the ability to spot a fake friend. It is an essential life skill. Once you have isolated the wheat from the chaff and you cannot immediately drop them, it's would be wise to know your limits and boundaries with them.
This might seem tedious and difficult for some at first glance however you get better after a little experience. Here are some few signs to watch out for:
1. They want to change you
It's not evil to want your friend to be a better version of themselves. However, to do this you've to at least get to know them first and not be too judgemental about it. A real friend knows your flaws and still loves and accepts you.
2. Your success kills them
Friends who can't handle their jealousy aren't real friends. You have to be happy for your friend's achievements.
3. They always bully you
They are emotionally overwhelming and demanding. They ask too much yet give too little in emotional support.
4. They just reach out when they need help
This is a classic fake friend move. Fake friends might just appear out of the blue and ask for favours. Whenever you see their calls you just know what to expect.
5. They are there to just to be seen
They may say that they’ll be there for you, but when it comes to the actual time–poof, they vanish. They don’t actually care about your problems or if you need help.
6. They are beyond reproach
Real friends will apologize for their actions and care about your hurt feelings. Fake friends can’t handle being told the truth and when they hear it, they become defensive and inconsolable.
7. They don't really care about your ambitions and goals
The lack of support that they often display goes a long way to show just how little they value your friendship and your happiness.
8. Gossip is their cup of tea
Gossiping is somewhat normal, but there’s a point when it becomes too much. If they are talking about someone else behind their back then you can be sure that you aren't any special.
9. Broken promises
Fake friends never keep their promises. They always have excuses as to why they had to bail, but the point is, they bailed. And they keep on bailing over and over. If someone wants to do something, they do it.