How to Recognize and Let Go of Toxic Friendships
How to Recognize and Let Go of Toxic Friendships
Friends are often described as chosen family—the people who stand by us, support us, and help us grow into the best versions of ourselves. Healthy friendships bring comfort, laughter, and stability, especially during life’s more stressful moments.
In fact, nearly everyone has at least one close friend. A Gallup poll found that 98% of people in the U.S. report having a close friendship, and long-term research involving more than 300,000 participants shows that strong social connections can increase longevity and reduce stress.
Psychologist Julianne Holt-Lunstad from Brigham Young University explains it simply:
“When we know we have people we can rely on, stressful situations feel more manageable—because we don’t feel alone.”
But not all friendships are healthy.
When Friendship Becomes Harmful
While supportive friendships help us thrive, toxic friendships do the opposite. Clinical psychologist Dr. Andrea Bonoir describes toxic friends as those who “cause stress, sadness, or anxiety rather than helping you grow.”
Over time, these relationships can wear you down emotionally. You may notice yourself feeling drained after interactions, questioning your self-worth, or acting in ways that don’t align with your values—just to keep the peace.
