Do you have a friend who seems to be causing you more pain and less joy lately, and you're not sure why? Have others noticed how you've changed (for the worse) while this person has been around?
Our "When to walk away from a friendship" quiz is for you if you believe you are in a toxic friendship.
When taking this quiz, think of ONE specific friend. Even if you haven't encountered some of these scenarios, try to imagine how you would react in person based on previous experiences. You'll be figuring out when you're done!
1. Do you have a good time when you're with them?
A. I' have never thought about it
B. Yes
C. Sometimes
2. If you had a secret, would you tell them?
A. Who can I rely on if I don't rely on them?
B. No, never
C. I need to think about it
3. Do they make you feel good about yourself?
A. I have no reason to feel bad when I'm with them
B. I don't think they know what that means
C. They would, but I wouldn't be affected with
4. Do you have the impression that they like you just the way you are?
A. I'm sure they love me anyway
B. Go, ask them!
C. They try to change me
5. Do you believe they pay attention to you?
A. How can I know that?
B. I believe in them with all my heart
C. Nah, I don’t think they listen to me much
6. Do they frequently abandon you when something or someone better presents itself?
A. They usually leave me alone
B. I will find better than them
C. They can't find better than me
7. Do you enjoy spending time with them on a regular basis?
A. I can't even breathe without them
B. If they invite me, I’ll prefer not to go
C. Sometimes I do, or sometimes I don't
8. After spending time with them, do you feel re-energized?
A. They are like my unique superpower
B. They are eating my soul!
C. Not sure
9. Are they available when you need them?
A. They have never left my side
B. They always have a job
C. It depends
10. Do you have a good sense of who they are? (Not just in terms of what they do and like, but also in terms of who they are as a person.)
A. I know what they want with their one sight
B. They can be confusing sometimes
C. I have never understood what they want
11. How often do they initiate plans with you?
A. They're always the ones to call or text first
B. Rarely, I'm usually the one reaching out
C. It's pretty even; we both make an effort
12. How do they react when you achieve something great?
A. They celebrate with me and are genuinely happy
B. They seem indifferent or barely acknowledge it
C. They're supportive but not overly enthusiastic
13. Do they respect your boundaries and personal space?
A. Absolutely, they understand my need for space
B. Not really; they often cross the line
C. Sometimes, though they might slip up occasionally
14. How do they handle conflicts between you two?
A. We discuss it openly and resolve it quickly
B. They avoid the topic or become defensive
C. It can be tense, but we usually find some resolution
15. Do they encourage you to pursue your dreams and goals?
A. Yes, they're one of my biggest supporters
B. No, they seem disinterested in my goals
C. They offer advice, but it's up to me to follow through
