We all go through different stages throughout our lives and grow and change in the process. Sometimes, this means outgrowing some friendships, as well.
Often you are both growing, just in different directions, which is normal and healthy. Some friendships that we try to hang onto, however, stunt our growth and do us more harm than good. These are the friendships that, while it’s okay to look back and smile at the fun times you had, are better left in your past.
5 Types of “Friends” You Should Leave Behind
1. The Complainer
This is that person in your life who always sees the cloud instead of the rainbow. Even in a good situation they can find something to speak poorly of! Everywhere they go, they carry a negative energy with them that tends to rub off on everyone else in the room. They drain your energy and make it more difficult for you to see the positives in every situation. These people are best left to stew in their troubles by themselves.
2. The Defeatist
A defeatist always has a reason why you shouldn’t do something. When you have a goal, they give you five reasons why it isn’t achievable. For every idea you have, they have a reason why you shouldn’t explore it. In truth, it is because this person is afraid of stepping out of their own comfort zone, and is therefore holding you back from stepping out of yours. Don’t let their fear of failure prevent you from trying something different.
3. The Doubter
The doubter is different from the defeatist. While they support you in reaching for your goals, they are the first one to point out any minor failures or shortcomings you have along the way. They tell you that they want you to succeed to your face, but behind your back they are secretly hoping that you fail. Again, this comes from their own insecurity.
4. The Boaster
This person is constantly seeking external validation – their entire self-worth relies on it. It is so heavily reliant on praise from others that they can’t hear about someone else’s success without in turn talking about their own. They may even begin to belittle your accomplishments to make their own seem better. A friend who can’t celebrate your success without feeling intimidated or less valuable are not friends that you need to keep around.
5. The Flaker
In today’s world of constant connection, it has become increasingly easy to bail on people at the last minute. The Flaker is the friend that whenever you make plans, you know they are more than likely going to cancel on you. This “friend” doesn’t respect your time, therefore you shouldn’t give them any of yours.
Life is too short to spend it with people who hold you back and don’t value your loyalty. If you have any of those types of friends in your life, it’s high time let them go. Your future self will thank you for it.