‘Want to know why walking away from fake friends is the best thing you can do for yourself? Here are all the details you need to know about.
Having pure enemies is better than having fake friends. Why? Because with an enemy, you know where you stand with them.
However, fake friends are worse than enemies because they get close enough to you to get you.
Therefore, in this post, you will learn why walking away from fake friends is smart so that you won’t feel guilty about it.
Once you learn all about these important reasons, you will be able to walk away with confidence instead of guilt.
This post is all about walking away from fake friends so that you won’t beat yourself up when it’s time to say adios to imposters.
Walking Away from Fake Friends
Ditching those you thought were your friends can be a difficult thing to do. Why? Because there are feelings of guilt involved. Moreover, you might be afraid of being alone and friendless.
However, if you have friends who are stabbing you in the back and trying to sabotage you in life, it’s the wisest thing you can do.
Don’t drink dirty water because you’re thirsty.
You might look at the title of this post and think, “Well, duh!” So, let me put it another way.
Just because you’re thirsty doesn’t mean you have to drink dirty water. Even if it seems that dirty water is all that’s available.
In other words, don’t let loneliness cause you to go back to toxic people just because good people are hard to find.
“Settling for toxic friends because you’re lonely is like drinking dirty water because you’re thirsty.” – Cherie White –
When you finally get enough of being used and abused by fake friends and decide to walk away, you may be alone for a while. In fact, life may put you to the test to see if you’re really and truly done with those creeps.
Even worse, life may decide to drag it out over a few weeks or months just to test your strength. This happens to many victims of bullying. They may ditch the fakes who only pretended to be their friends.
Afterwards, they may be friendless. And they may wait a little while. However, eventually they cave in and go back to the same assholes who treated them so badly.
You may do the same thing.
You may allow your frenemies to sweet-talk you back into the friendship. However, what happens once you go back?
Walking Away from Fake Friends:
Patience is a Must!
It’s true that these fakes may be extra friendly. They treat you well for a few days, weeks, or maybe even a month. However, they will eventually go back to treating you like crap again.
Why? Because they see the second chance you gave them as weakness. To them, it’s evidence that you were only bluffing when you broke off the friendship.
You only look desperate, or, as the kids say today, “thirsty.” And ewww! That’s not a good look at all! Cringe is what it is!
Therefore, these fakers only lose respect for you and no longer take you seriously. Even worse, if you get tired of the abuse again and walk away a second time, they’ll only look at each other and say, “She’ll be back. She just needs time to cool off.”
There’s a reason for the old saying, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” I’m all for giving second chances, don’t get me wrong. Why?
Because people screw up from time to time. However, you should use judgement when doing so. Who is it that you’re giving the chance to?
And have they blown any chances you’ve given in the past? This is very important!
Don’t Give Chances to Those Who Only Abuse Them
Again, second chances are fine. Just make sure you don’t end up giving them a third chance, fourth chance, and so on. Moreover, realize that there are instances when even a second chance isn’t deserved.
Why? Because there are some things you just can’t come back from. So, if you decide to give another chance, make this your rule of thumb.
Walking Away from Fake Friends:
The Second Chance is the last chance!
The second chance is always the last chance. If they blow that chance, that’s it and it’s on them.
When it comes to situations such as this, you must stick to your guns. Otherwise, your fake friends, your bullies, and others who are around to see it will only use you as a cat toy.
Therefore, when you get rid of imposters, do it and mean it! Do it with the presumption that you may have to wait a spell before better friends find you.
Then stick it out! Wouldn’t you rather be by yourself rather than with people who only use and abuse you?
If you’re going to be alone anyway, it might as well be for a damn good reason. Because nothing feels worse than being alone in a group!
So, the next time you get fed up with shabby treatment and decide to walk, don’t let loneliness cause you to go back to toxic assholes.
Be patient and wait it out! I promise you that better people will come along eventually. Dry spells don’t last forever.
If you hold true to yourself and stick it out, you will have better friends. And they will be people who are worth your time and consideration- people who deserve to have you in their lives.
Walking Away from Fake Friends:
Choose Quality over quantity
I have only a small circle of friends and associates and I like it that way. I’d much rather only five true friends than to have a million fake ones.
And the truth is that you can have millions of frenemies and fair-weather friends who don’t value you as much as you deserve to be valued and still be lonely. You are no better off than you’d be if you had no friends at all.
But you can have only one friend, two friends, three or five, true friends who genuinely love you, enjoy being around you, and have your back and never feel abandoned.
Quantity is always zero without quality.
You can own a hundred houses, but it does not mean you’re rich. If your hundred houses are all infested with termites, rats, and cockroaches; and about to fall apart, do you really have anything of value?
A hundred cars don’t make a dealership if they’re all old beaters that don’t run. No. What you have is a junkyard.
The same goes with the friends you keep around. You can have thousands of friends but if they all treat you like crap, never have your back, and bail out at the first sign of trouble, they aren’t worth a damn, and you should ditch and switch.
Pick friends who know your worth and who earn the privilege of being in your life.
Signs of Fake Friends
You must add value to yourself and that means that your time and your friendship must come at a cost. And that cost is reciprocation.
If a so-called friend constantly gives you shabby treatment, you must immediately withdraw your friendship. Tell that person to take a walk and to not even look back. That’s how you add value to yourself.
You must teach others how they should treat you.
I realize that it won’t be easy to walk away, especially if you endure bullying and your toxic, fake friends seem to be the only options you have.
Nobody wants to be lonely and friendless. However, wouldn’t you rather be by yourself than to be friends with a bunch of sorry pieces of shit who only let you down? I know I would!
Walking Away from Fake Friends:
Know your worth.
You must know your worth. Know that you deserve more than the crumbs you’ve been getting. Moreover, know that you can have true friends if you ditch these creeps.
Think of it like this: You’re getting rid of them to make room for the better friends you’re about to meet. I’m not saying that you won’t be friendless for a while because you just might be.
And, if you must wait, here are a few things you can do to lift your spirits while you wait:
- Dive into your hobbies.
- Spend time with family and friends.
- Do the things you enjoy doing.
- Exercise.
- Treat yourself to a pampering session- get a spa treatment, go on a trip to the beach, etc.
There are so many things you can do that will put a smile on your face. Only you know what they are. Self-care is so important during times like these.
But I promise you. You will meet better people and you will make better friends. And once you do, they will be worth the wait! Don’t you think you’re worth it? I do.
And always remember. Quality over quantity!
Signs of Fake Friends and what you should do
Nefarious people are experts at hiding their evil. And they do it under the cover of concern and love. Bullies and fake friends are such people. However, it can be difficult to spotlight them.
After they’ve harmed you, you’re often left shocked and bewildered.
Fortunately, there are signs you can look for if you know what they are. Here’s what you can do to spot frenemies, fakes, and undercover bullies.
1. Walking Away from Fake Friends:
Always observe the people around you.
But do it without looking like you’re watching, of course. Use your peripheral vision to scan them and your environment.
Once you do this, you’ll quickly pick up on their moods and sense the elephant in the room (if there is one).
2. Look for body language that isn’t congruent with words and context.
Actions speak louder than words. If their body language isn’t congruent with words, background, or the situation and shows even a hint of hostility and discomfort when they’re around you, then “Houston, we have a problem.”
3. Watch for micro flashes.
If you’re not careful, you’re likely to miss those tiny, split-second micro flashes of contempt people give without realizing it or when they think you aren’t aware of it. There are good actors; don’t get me wrong.
However, there are certain things the body gives away involuntarily. And, if you look for it, you’ll see it.
When you’re around fake friends, sometimes, as you turn your back, you’ll see a tiny micro flash of contempt on their faces out of the corner of your eye. Then, you’ll get that nagging feeling in the pit of your gut.
Don’t ignore that because you aren’t only imagining things! Eighty-six these creeps fast!
4. Walking Away from Fake Friends:
Notice the person’s feet
You can tell a lot by the feet! If the person is talking to you, facing you, but their feet are pointing away from you, that means they aren’t as “with you” as you think.
Put some distance between you and that person.
5. Watch for crossed arms while talking to the person.
If you’re having a conversation with the person and they cross their arms over their chest, that’s a dead giveaway! They’re exhibiting closed body language. And, they’re closing themselves off to anything you have to say.
Therefore, it’s time to make an excuse to end the tete-a-tete and walk away. You don’t want this person around you.
6. Looking at you without blinking.
If they do this, it’s a sure sign of contempt, or they’re trying to intimidate you. Either way, this person is not the person you want to be around.
7. Walking Away from Fake Friends:
Here are other signs you should look for.
If you notice a furrowed brow or one corner of the lip slightly raised, it’s time to ditch this person. Also, if you see an icy, piercing stare, or they’re smiling at you with their mouth but not the eyes (no crinkles around the eyes), it’s a bad sign.
Therefore, you might want to distance yourself.
8. What if they look at you, then look at each other when you walk away?
It’s a red flag. Therefore, you want nothing more to do with these people.
9. Watch what you share
Very important! Don’t tell anyone anything they don’t need to know. Not even to those who seem friendly.
In other words, don’t reveal information that’s better off private. And, don’t badmouth anybody, especially the bullies, to anyone.
Fakers may smile in your face, but you can be sure they’ll report back to the bullies with anything you say and try to fan the flames.
10. Watch for eavesdroppers.
If you have an innocent conversation with someone in the hall, be on the lookout for eavesdroppers. Don’t talk near corners or open doors.
Why? Because, many times, people will listen in on your discussion, then report back to the bullies with it. Pay attention to people who walk by.
And if you see other people standing around while you’re speaking and those people aren’t a part of the conversation, take the discussion to a place more private. And, be sure you aren’t being followed.
In order to protect yourself, you must keep your eyes and ears peeled and be an avid people-watcher. Only when you pay attention to other people, will you be able to see behind the masks bullies and fake friends wear.
Here are other ways you can spot fake friends.
This post is all about walking away from fake friends so that you can know when to do it and do it with confidence and without feeling guilty.
Related posts you’ll enjoy:
1. Fake Friend: 11 Easy Ways to Spot One with Bad Intentions
2. Fake Friends: 13 Surefire Signs They Don’t Like You for You
3. How to Spot Fake Friends: 7 Proven Tricks to Instantly Out Them