If you want to live a happier life, say goodbye to these 7 types of friends

Living a happier life often comes down to the company you keep.

You see, we all have those friends who tend to bring us down more than they lift us up.

And often, it’s these friends that we need to say goodbye to in order to live that happier life we’re all striving for.

So, if you’re ready to take a step towards a happier life, it might be time to evaluate your friendships.

Here’s a look at seven types of friends you might want to consider saying goodbye to.

1) The energy drainer

You know the one. This type of friend seems to suck the life out of you every time you’re around them. They always have a problem, a drama, a crisis. And while it’s important to be there for your friends during tough times, there’s a difference between being supportive and being drained.

The energy drainer rarely has anything positive to say and seems to thrive on negativity. They can quickly turn a beautiful sunny day into a dark and stormy one with their constant complaints and pessimistic outlook.

If you find yourself feeling emotionally exhausted after spending time with this friend, it might be time to say goodbye. You don’t need that kind of negativity clouding your journey towards happiness.

Understand, it’s okay to put your well-being first. And sometimes, that means letting go of the energy drainers in your life. By doing so, you might just find that you have more energy and positivity to focus on those who truly uplift and inspire you.

2) The constant competitor

This might seem a bit counterintuitive. After all, a little friendly competition can be healthy, right? It can motivate us, push us to strive for better, keep us on our toes. But there’s a fine line between healthy competition and constant one-upmanship.

The constant competitor is the friend who always has to be a step ahead. Bought a new car? They’ve got a bigger one. Got a promotion? They’re already the CEO. This type of friend sees your successes as challenges rather than achievements to be celebrated.

While it might seem harmless at first, this constant need for comparison can sap your joy and make you feel like you’re never quite good enough. Life isn’t a race, and true friends should celebrate each other’s successes, not compete against them.

And if you have a friend who’s always turning your life into a competition, it might be time to say goodbye. Because happiness isn’t about being better than everyone else – it’s about being the best version of yourself.

3) The codependent friend

We often mistake codependency for closeness. It’s the friend who can’t make a decision without your input, who needs constant reassurance, who leans on you for emotional support to the point of exhaustion. Now, don’t get me wrong, being there for a friend is important but it’s equally vital to maintain your own individuality.

Codependency can be suffocating and limit your personal growth. This type of friendship doesn’t support the healthy development of separate identities, which is crucial for personal happiness and fulfillment. In fact, I delve deeper into this topic in a book I wrote, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s a subtle yet potent exploration of the ways we can untangle ourselves from unhealthy attachments.

If you have a friend who relies on you too much to the point where it hinders your own personal growth, you might need to reconsider this relationship. Remember, a true friend encourages independence and respects boundaries.

4) The fair-weather friend

Ever had a friend who’s there for the good times, but disappears when things get tough? That’s a fair-weather friend. They’re all about the fun and games, but when you need a shoulder to lean on, they’re nowhere to be found.

Personally, I’ve had my share of these types of friends. They’re great for a laugh or a night out, but we all need friends who will stick with us through the highs and lows. As the great Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

If you have a friend who only shows up when it’s convenient or when there’s something in it for them, it may be time to reassess that relationship. True friendship is about being there for each other, through thick and thin. It’s about supporting each other, even when it’s not easy or convenient.

5) The gossipmonger

We all know that one friend who loves a good piece of gossip. They always have the latest scoop, and they’re not afraid to share it – often at the expense of others. This type of friend thrives on drama and seems to take pleasure in the misfortunes of others.

In my own life, I’ve encountered friends like this. At first, it can seem exciting to be “in the know,” but over time, it becomes draining. It fosters an environment of mistrust and negativity. After all, if they’re talking about everyone else, what are they saying about you when you’re not around?

When your friend always seems to be gossiping, it might be time to take a step back. Friendships should be built on trust and respect, not on shared secrets and scandal. You deserve friends who lift you up, not bring you down with negativity.

6) The constant critic

Constructive criticism is a crucial part of growth, but there’s a difference between helpful feedback and constant critique. The constant critic is the friend who always finds something wrong with what you do, how you look, or how you live your life. Nothing ever seems to be good enough for them.

I’ve had a friend like this in my life before, and let me tell you, it can be incredibly damaging to your self-esteem. As the wise Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

If you have a friend who’s always bringing you down with their criticism, it might be time to reconsider that relationship. You deserve friends who support and encourage you, not ones who make you feel inadequate.

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7) The non-reciprocator

Friendship is a two-way street. It’s about give and take. But what happens when you’re doing all the giving and they’re doing all the taking? This friend, the non-reciprocator, never seems to return your efforts. You’re always there for them, but when you need them, they’re suddenly busy or unavailable.

Let’s be raw and honest here. This type of friendship can be incredibly frustrating and hurtful. It can make you feel unappreciated and taken for granted.

You deserve to be appreciated for your efforts, to feel loved, and to have your friendship reciprocated. You deserve friends who value and cherish you as much as you do them.

Final thoughts

Friendships, like all relationships, play a significant role in shaping our lives. The people we choose to surround ourselves with can either uplift us or bring us down. They can either foster our growth or hinder it. However, it’s essential to remember that we have the power to choose who gets to stay in our lives.

While saying goodbye to these types of friends might be difficult, it’s a crucial step towards self-care and personal happiness. It’s about acknowledging your worth and refusing to settle for anything less than what you deserve.

As we wrap up this article, I’d like to recommend a video by Justin Brown which explores the complexities of finding a compatible life partner. It’s an insightful piece that ties well with our discussion on letting go of certain friendships for a happier life.

So, choose wisely and surround yourself with people who enrich your life and support your journey towards happiness.