LIFE

Friend drama. We've *all* experienced it at one point or another. And if you haven't yet, you probably will sometime in your life. Forming friendships and maintaining them can be difficult, especially when they just don't feel right.

Fake friends are real, and they can be a real problem. If you think you might have a fake friend (or two or three), Girls' Life is here to tell you how to spot them and what to do if you have one.

They are jealous that you scored the lead role in the school play instead of congratulating you. 

If they aren't supportive of your success, it might be a sign that they're not a true friend. Friends should boost you up and celebrate your triumphs—not tear you down or act envious.

You've had Friday movie night planned since last week, and they cancel...again.

If something really did come up, of course it's understandable to take a rain check. But if they are constantly cancelling plans at the last minute, it might be a bad sign. Flaky friends are usually fake friends.

They invited everyone in your friend group on a shopping trip, except you.

Being excluded is one of the worst feelings, especially when you see an Insta post of everyone having fun without you (or at least it looks like it). No true friend would *ever* intentionally leave you out of a group activity and make you feel this way.

They only ask to hang out when they need help studying for a chemistry test.

Friends should definitely do favors for each other. But if they are always asking you for help and seem to only be around when they need something from you, it could be a red flag.

You have a sinking feeling that they're gossiping behind your back in the locker room.

If your "friends" are acting suspicous when you walk into the room, or you notice they're texting in a group chat without you, it might be time to start asking questions. Trust your gut—it has the best intuition.

If you've been in *any* of these situations, you might have just spotted a fake friend. But what should you do about it?

As difficult as it might seem, the best thing to do is distance yourself from them. Cutting a toxis person out of your life leaves room for a better one. It will lead to much less drama and anxiety—not to mention more time to focus on the other good relationships you have.

Having the courage to end a friendship is hard. It's totally understandable to feel frustrated or sad, but you have to know your worth and stand up for yourself. It will make you stronger in the end.

Have questions? Let us know on our socials @girlslifemag!

by Allie Lijewski and Kathleen O'Neill | 12/17/2020