I am continuing my list of toxic friends that I have dealt with in my life in italics within the blockquote stating the types of toxic friends. Hopefully, if you can recognize any of these types in your life, you can begin to change the relationship or learn to let it go.

The Promise Breaker as a Toxic Friend:
This person rarely does what he says he will do. If you have a date, your toxic friend is often a no-show. A general lack of dependability makes this person a toxic friend

The Gossip as a Toxic Friend:
The gossip will eventually betray your trust and become a toxic friend. Gossips are easy to spot so beware your friendships with them.

The Self-Centered Person as a Toxic Friend:
Self-centered people can't think of you as they are too busy thinking of themselves. They make toxic friends.

This is one that I'm still dealing with, but I'm coming to terms with how the relationship actually is, instead of thinking that it is something that it isn't. I just make sure that her self-centeredness doesn't effect me personally. It's hard though.

The Competitor as a Toxic Friend:
The competitor is always looking to be "one up." Although some competitiveness is normal in friendships, too much competition makes a toxic friend.

The Leaner as a Toxic Friend:
The leaner is a very needy friend who clings and may be at your doorstep every day. He/she usually wants all of your time and jealousy often enters the picture in this friendship.

This is the type that I am most familiar with. I ended a 20 year friendship with a person like this and didn't have contact for 10 years after that. I am now back in touch and being very tentative about where the relationship, if any, goes from here.

Difficult Friends: Toxic Friendships - People You Must Avoid

Building Your Support Network pt. 1

Part 2