LIFE

Having probs with your bestie lately? You want to be a good friend, but you can't tell if they're taking advantage. Here are some signs your friend might be using you—and whether you should have a heart-to-heart or cut ties.

Watch Out If...

They're always asking for a favor

Does your bestie only want to hang when they're out of cash? Or when they *need* to copy your summer hw? If you notice that they only reach out to ask you for help, you might be getting used. It's normal to take turns paying for outings, and studying together can be a good idea—but the key is that you're both helping each other.

They won't take no for an answer

Steer clear of friends who get mad when you can't do them a favor. It's great to help when you can, but if they're getting frustrated when you say no, you might want to reconsider your friendship. A true friend will understand when you're unavailable, and they *won't* guilt you about it. You should never feel pressured to pitch in.

They isolate you

A common sign of a parasitic friendship: one friend isolating you from the rest. Your pal demands all your time be spent with them, or begs you not to hang out with certain people without a good reason. This could be an attempt to keep others from noticing how they're taking advantage of you. Check with a pal or sib about the sitch—if they've felt pushed away, it might be time to end the friendship.

They keep score

Because they helped you in the past, they expect you to do the same for them—even when you can't or don't want to. If your so-called friend keeps track of everything they do for you, consider having a convo about it. Friendship means helping each other, but keeping score only causes stress and guilt.  If they still think you 'owe' them, consider cutting ties.

How are you there for your friends? Let us know on Instagram @girlslifemag!

Slider Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko/Unsplash
Main Image: Pexels

by Bailey Bujnosek | 7/15/2020