Have you ever wondered if one of your friends was fake? Sometimes it can be hard to tell the fake friends from the tried and true friends. Most of us end up with a few fake friends at some point in our life. The key is figuring out their game and getting some distance. These’re 7 signs you have a fake friend.
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1. They're Only Your Friend when No One is around
This point was generously submitted by one of our readers, Jada. Thanks Jada! You can submit your own point at the bottom of this post. We'd love to hear from you!
Your real friends will always be around whether others are there or not. If someone only wants to be your friend when none of their friends are there and disappear when their friends are back or act like you don't exist, it means they're faking it.
2. They’re Only Your Friend when It’s Convenient for Them
If you have a friend that’s not an all-the-time friend, they could be fake. They’re only your friend when it’s convenient for them. Maybe you have something fun going so they’re ready to join in. They may only have time for you when all their other friends are busy. You deserve friends that value you and your company, not just what you have to offer.
Frequently asked questions
It can be tricky, right? But generally, if you feel like they only come around when they need something or they are never truly happy for your success, that's a big red flag.
Oh, it's super important! Fake friends can be really draining and affect your confidence and happiness. Recognizing them helps you focus on friends who genuinely care.
Honestly, it might be best to distance yourself. Surrounding yourself with true friends is what really matters for your wellbeing.
Hmm, it depends. People can change if they want to, but it's crucial for you to prioritize your emotional health and who you spend time with.
That's a good one! Some might know and some might not. It could be unconscious, but if you're feeling hurt, that's what counts most.
3. You’ve Seen Them Use Others
Fake friends stand out if you watch them closely. You may have noticed that they seem to use others. Sadly, they could now be using you. It could be that they want to be your friend because they want a ride to school rather than catching the bus. Maybe they’re crushing on your older brother and using you to get close.
4. They’re a Terrible Listener
A fake friend doesn’t care about your problems. They only want to talk about what’s going on in their life. It’s important to be careful with this one though because we can all get a bit wrapped up in ourselves at times and not mean anything by it. It isn’t intentional. This sign on it’s own doesn’t always mean your friend is fake, only when it’s paired with others.
5. They Make Jokes at Your Expense
Most people joke around with their friends and that’s okay. It’s all in good fun. But a fake friend will have no trouble making jokes at your expense. These’re the kind of jokes that’re mean and have a cruel undertone. You know it’s not really said to share a laugh.
6. They Disregard Your Feelings and Opinions
True friends will value your feelings and opinions. They care about you. A fake friend is self-centered. They disregard what you’re thinking and feeling and push for what they want. You probably feel like you’re wasting your breath with a friend like this.
7. They Aren’t Happy for You when Good Things Happen
True friendship means that you’re happy for one another when something good happens. A fake friend won’t be. They may offer a token congratulation and then they’re ready to get the focus back to who they truly care about, themselves. Once you know for sure that your friend is fake, you’re probably better off to start backing away from that friendship. Of course that’s a decision only you can make.
8. You Just Get That Vibe
It may be that you just get the vibe that a friend is fake. You can’t quite put your finger on why you feel that way; you just know that you do. It’swise to make sure you’re correct about this before you act. You don’t want to cut ties with someone who could turn out to be a valuable friend. Make certain they’re fake before you cut ties.
These’re some signs that you’ve got a fake friend. Have you had a fake friend before? How did you deal?
Comments
Ines: Five of these points are true, so that's enough too do I do have a fake friend.
Wendy: Got a fake friend? Ditch the bitch. Simple.
Eden: Great Article!
Lucy: Fuck my new enemy
Brittany: Me and my "best friend" just went separate ways. She had most of those negative qualities, but on the other hand she was there for me a lot too. It was a friendship I truly valued until she started calling me names and saying very rude things and when she stole from me (some things that I cannot replace!!) I was done! I blocked her because she was harassing me non stop! Ugh. Anyways it always hurts when someone you really care about turns out to be a fake friend.
Jodelle: What about all the other qualities ur friend brings I guess u don't see that when ur looking at the bad parts of that person
Samira: My 'bestfriend' says she loves me to the moon and back but she does all of these things. I don't know what to do should I ditch her?
peony: Yes the world is after all a stage there are fakes everywhere!
Kayla: This girl used to be my best friend. She always copied my style and would say happy bday at school before school started by my locker them would go back to her other "friends". She thinks everyone likes her but she is super loud and thinks she is better than everyone else. I know i am not perfect and when i mess up ppl know, but she would always blame it on someone else. She always goes to church and thinks she is better than me because i only sometimes do, but, she swears all the time, always showing off her not-too-fancy butt, and never really helps anyone. I swear a teeny weeny bit every once and a while, try to not dress like a whore, and am always trying to help omg im so sorry i just really needed to let this out
Athirah: ugh well shit i have a fake friend
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