7 Warning Signs You May Be in a Toxic Friendship

Friendships are meant to bring support, encouragement, and joy. But mental health experts say that not every friendship is healthy, and many people remain in emotionally draining relationships out of guilt, obligation, or a desire to avoid conflict.

In a review published by Parade magazine, psychologists shared some of the most common signs that a friendship may be doing more harm than good, along with advice for building relationships that encourage growth and emotional well-being.

Listen to How You Feel After Spending Time Together

According to neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez, one of the strongest indicators of an unhealthy friendship is how you consistently feel after interacting with the other person.

"When you consistently leave interactions feeling anxious, used, or mentally foggy, that is your nervous system signaling that something is not right," she explains.

Recognizing the emotional impact of certain relationships can help people establish healthier boundaries and invest more energy in friendships that provide stability, support, and encouragement.

Healthy Friendships Don't Feel Like Competitions

Another major warning sign is constant comparison.

Clinical psychologist Kaya Sokola says that friendships should not feel like a contest.

"If you feel like there is competition between you and your friend and feel like they are comparing your lives to try to prove their point, that is definitely not healthy."

Rather than celebrating one another's successes, unhealthy friendships may be marked by jealousy, rivalry, or a need to constantly measure who is doing better.

Other Signs to Watch For

Psychologists identify several additional behaviors that may point to an unhealthy friendship.

These include feeling disappointed or anxious when you see the person's name appear on your phone, mentally rehearsing conversations before meeting them, noticing that they rarely show genuine interest in your life, or feeling reluctant to share important news because you expect criticism or indifference.

Dr. Brandy Smith adds that consistently feeling emotionally exhausted after spending time together is another significant warning sign.

Invest in Friendships That Build You Up

According to the experts, healthier friendships begin with honest self-reflection.

Looking for recurring relationship patterns, having open and respectful conversations when appropriate, and setting healthy boundaries can all help strengthen meaningful connections.

Most importantly, they encourage investing in friendships with people who genuinely celebrate your successes, support you through challenges, and leave you feeling uplifted rather than emotionally drained.

The healthiest friendships are not those that demand the most from us, but those that help us grow, bring out our best, and add lasting joy to our lives.