Everyone has at least one friendship that has gone sour. Sometimes friends just grow apart, but in most cases friendship are ruined because of the common mistakes people make.
Very close friendships take tremendous work, dedication and effort from all parties involved.
They require mentally healthy participants who want to put in the effort and are equally invested in the friendship’s success. Similar to romantic relationships.
However, they can both put in their efforts and still not get it right. Listed below are the 7 major things that can destroy any friendship.
1. Lack of communication
You might say, “But we talk all the time!” But do you talk about really important things? Are you able to tell your friend that something bothers you or that you’re upset with them for some reason? Friendship isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, there are bumps in the road, too. And if you’re not able to communicate openly and honestly, your friendship is doomed.
2. Jealousy
If one of you is jealous of the other’s success, it can easily ruin your friendship. It’s normal to feel jealous, but you shouldn’t let jealousy overcome you and ruin your relationship with your friend. Supportive friends are able to get over their jealousy and celebrate their friends’ success.
3. Betrayal of trust
Friendships are built on trust. When you share personal details and secrets with your friend, you expect them not to tell anyone. A person that spills secrets and gossips about their friends behind their backs is not a good friend. Lies also qualify as betrayal of trust. No one wants to be friends with a liar.
4. Refusing to forgive
Any relationship has it ups and downs. Sometimes friends have disagreements and even fight, and it is totally okay as long as they are able to forgive each other and move on. However, if they refuse to forgive each other for something they’ve said or done wrong and hold grudges, their friendship won’t last long.
5. Spending too little time together
Friends are supposed to spend time with each other (or at least regularly talk to each other if they happen to live in different cities). We are not saying that you should spend every spare minute with your friends, but if you can never find time for them, you probably don’t need these friendships.
6. Spending too much time together
Hanging out with friends is fun, but everybody needs some alone time. If you spend all your free time with your friends, you may start feeling smothered. If you want your friendships to work, you need to make sure that neither you nor your friends are too clingy. Friendships shouldn’t prevent you from from spending time with your family and significant other.
7. Selfishness
If a person is too wrapped in themselves and is always “I this” and “I that”, their friendships will never last. A friendship is a two-way street, it requires give and take. Sometimes you talk, and sometimes you listen. Sometimes your friends help you, and sometimes they need your help. No one wants to be friends with an egotist, and one-sided friendships don’t last.
