Toxic friendship - how to create healthy relationships without toxic ingredients?

Human relationships play an invaluable role in our daily lives, affecting our well-being, personal development and sense of belonging. Friendship is one of the most valuable types of these relationships – a bond based on trust, mutual understanding and shared experiences that enrich our lives. However, not every friendship is healthy and uplifting. Sometimes there are toxic friendships in our environment, which instead of giving us wings, take away our energy and negatively affect our emotions. So how do we recognize and avoid such relationships in order to create healthy and lasting friendships, free from negative influences?

The essence of friendship and its fundamental components

Friendship is one of the most precious gifts we can experience in life. It is a bond based on deep understanding, acceptance and mutual support. But what really defines friendship and what are its basic components?

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Mutual trust: The foundation of any healthy friendship is trust. This involves the belief that we can openly share our thoughts, feelings and experiences without fear of judgment or betrayal.
Honesty and Authenticity: There is no place for masks or pretense in true friendship. It is important to be yourself and be accepted for who you are without fear of being judged.
Mutual understanding: Understanding is a key element in a friendship relationship. It is not only about understanding the other person’s views or decisions, but also about empathy and the ability to put oneself in the other person’s shoes.
Shared interests and values: While it is not necessary for friends to have identical interests or views, shared passions or values can build strong bonds and strengthen their relationship.
Mutual support: true friends are present in moments of both joy and sorrow. They can support us emotionally, physically and mentally whenever we need it.
Communication: Open and honest communication is key to maintaining a healthy friendship. It allows you to resolve conflicts, express your needs and build a bond.

Let’s remember that friendship is not only companionship and pleasure, but also commitment, effort and willingness to support each other. Understanding these basic ingredients will allow us to build lasting and satisfying friendship relationships.

The essence of friendship — Photo: Depositphotos

How do you recognize a toxic friendship?

Recognizing a toxic friendship can be difficult, especially when we are emotionally involved in it. However, there are some warning signs that can indicate a toxic friendship relationship:

Excessive abuse: If you notice that your friend often takes advantage of your kindness and time without giving anything in return or using you for his or her own purposes, this could be a sign of a toxic friendship.
Lack of compassion and support: A toxic friend may be indifferent to your needs and problems, offering no support or empathy in difficult situations.
Constant criticism: If your friend frequently criticizes you instead of being supportive and accepting, this can lead to lowered self-esteem and self-worth.
Manipulation and control: A toxic friend may try to manipulate you by controlling your decisions, relationships with other people or your time and attention.
Lack of trust and honesty: If the relationship lacks mutual trust and honesty, and your friend often lies, hides information or betrays your trust, this could be a symptom of a toxic friendship.
Jealousy and rivalry: A toxic friend may be jealous of your successes and achievements, trying to nullify them or make you unhappy about their absence.

If you notice these behaviors in your friendship relationship, it’s worth considering the nature of the relationship and whether it is healthy and supportive. It’s also worth remembering that ending a toxic friendship can be difficult, but is often crucial to our own well-being and happiness.

How to get rid of toxic friends with a smile?

Getting rid of toxic friends with a smile can be a challenge, but there are ways to do it in a cultured and balanced way. First and foremost, reduce the time you spend with toxic friends by avoiding situations that can lead to negative interactions. You can do this gradually, instead of cutting off contact right away. Also, be assertive and make your boundaries clear against toxic behavior. Say openly what bothers you and what behaviors are unacceptable to you.

It is also important to focus on your own development and well-being. Invest time and energy in relationships that are supportive and positive for you. If possible, help toxic friends find other sources of support, such as therapy or support groups. You don’t have to be rude or abusive to toxic friends. Try to remain cultured and respectful in every situation.

Remember that everyone has his or her own problems and background that can affect his or her behavior. While this doesn’t excuse toxicity, understanding can help you approach the situation with more empathy. If you decide to limit or end relationships with toxic friends, it is important to be consistent in your actions and decisions.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to take care of your own well-being and surround yourself with people who support our path to happiness and success. Getting rid of toxic friends can be difficult, but it can bring us relief and allow us to build healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

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