| Signs of Emotionally Draining Friendships |
| It’s possible that everyone around you is a drama queen, a chronic complainer, or an emotional wreck. When you spend time with them or talk on the phone, they have a way of draining your energy and leaving you feeling emotionally spent. |
| Some people have little trouble identifying these individuals in their lives. However, if you’re unsure whether a buddy of yours is mentally taxing, have a look at this list of indicators. In addition to observing your friend’s actions, you should search for hints in your own answers. |
| What You Might Experience |
| Observing your reactions to your friend during conversations or social interactions is crucial in determining whether or not they are an emotionally draining friend. It’s possible that the friendship is negatively impacting your emotional well-being. These are some clear indicators that your friend can be mentally exhausting you. |
| Your relationship or friendship is emotionally or physically exhausting, and you experience anxiety, fatigue, or frustration when you talk or hang out with your friend.You regularly make sacrifices to make sure your friend’s needs are met.You worry about their issues more than you do about your own well-being.Your positive feelings for them are starting to disappear.You can’t be yourself around them, or you censor your thoughts and feelings.You don’t get a chance to ask for their advice or support.You no longer enjoy spending time with them or dread talking with them. |
| Emotionally Draining Behaviors |
| Perhaps there are just more problems with your friend than there seem to be. Alternatively, it’s possible that your friend is experiencing a really difficult time and isn’t handling it well. For the reason, you might want to take a moment to reflect on whether or not this is a healthy friendship if you see any of these indicators in your friend. |
| Your friend vents to you nonstop or seems to always be in crisis.Your friend never asks how you’re doing, takes an interest in your life, or listens when you need to vent.Your friend has an endless list of needs and expectations.Your friend’s problems are always bigger, worse, or more extreme than yours.Your friend uses guilt and manipulation when you’re not there for them.Your friend is rarely happy for you and often struggles with envy and jealousy.Your friend wants all the attention and monopolizes the conversation.Your friend doesn’t know how to move on or let things go.Your friend has low self-esteem, needs constant reassurance, and lacks self-awareness.Your friend never thanks you for being there for them. |
Anna Godfrey 