5 Toxic & 5 Healthy Friendship Signs

As a teen, your friends play a crucial role in your life! Friends can provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. However, not all friendships are healthy, and some can be downright toxic. Ugh! It can be helpful to recognize the signs of a toxic friendship and know when it's time to let go (cue Elsa song ballad from Frozen). On the other hand, healthy friendships can have a positive impact on your life and help you grow into the person you want to be. Here are five signs of a toxic friendship and five signs of a healthy friendship for teens:

Signs of a Toxic Friendship

1. Constant Criticism

Do you feel like you can't do anything right around your friend? Do they always seem to find fault in everything you do? If so, this is a clear sign of a toxic friendship. A good friend should support and encourage you, not tear you down.

2. Controlling Behavior

Does your friend always want things their way? Do they dictate what you wear, who you talk to, or what activities you do? This is a red flag behavior for a toxic friendship. Your friend should respect your personhood and allow you to make your own choices.

3. Constant Drama

Is your friend always involved in drama? Do they thrive on gossip and conflict? While some drama is unavoidable in any relationship (hey, we all like to hear some tea at times), a constant stream of drama is exhausting and unhealthy. A good friend should help you avoid drama, not create more of it.

4. Unbalanced Friendship

Do you feel like you're always the one making an effort in the friendship? Are you the one who initiates contact and plans activities? A healthy friendship should be a two-way street, with both parties investing time and energy into the relationship. If you also don’t feel included in their activities, that can be a sign of an unbalanced friendship as well.

5. Lack of Trust

Do you feel like you can't confide in your friend without fear of them sharing your secrets? Trust is a fundamental component of any healthy friendship. Friends should respect information kept between the two of you, or ask permission to share something. If you don't feel like you can trust your friend, it's time to reevaluate the relationship.

Signs of a Healthy Friendship

1. Mutual Respect

A healthy friendship is built on mutual respect. You should respect each other's boundaries, opinions, and feelings. A good friend will listen to your concerns and support your decisions, and be your cheerleader when you have a big success!

2. Open Communication

Communication is key in any relationship, and a healthy friendship is no exception. You should be able to express your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly without fear of judgment. A good friend will listen actively and try to offer helpful feedback without shaming or making you feel guilty.

3. Shared Interests

While it's not necessary to have all the same interests, a healthy friendship should include shared activities that you both enjoy. This shared interest can help strengthen your bond and provide opportunities for fun and growth. There should be willingness to try things you know each of you enjoys as well, such as going to a movie they want to see, or attending your theater performance.

4. Supportive Behavior

A good friend should be there for you in both good times and bad. They should offer support and encouragement when you need it and be a shoulder to cry on when things get tough. It’s nice to have a place to just vent about things!

5. Positive Influence

A healthy friendship should have a positive impact on your life. Your friend should inspire you to be your best self and help you achieve your goals. Once again, you can be each other’s cheerleaders and celebrate wins, and it also won’t feel competitive. You see each other for your strengths and allow each of you to learn and grow in your own ways.

Recognizing the signs of a toxic friendship and a healthy friendship is essential and can also take time to learn what feels healthy and what feels toxic. Toxic friendships can be detrimental to your mental and emotional well-being, while healthy friendships can help you grow and thrive. Remember to value yourself and choose friends who respect and support you.