Warning signs of an abusive friendship and what to do about it
Friendships can be abusive too. If you feel you are being manipulated, guilt-tripped, or gaslighted, you must take steps to come of this toxic friendship.
Friends are our support system in ways others cannot be. They help us get over a tough phase with emotional support and share our joys. The best thing about a good friendship is that you can be yourself without feeling judged. However, friendships can be abusive too and while you may not realise it initially, a manipulative, controlling, or unpredictable friend can hamper your mental health and make you doubt your sanity. It is possible to develop a deep friendship with someone who may be attempting to control all aspects of your life, isolating you from others or blaming (directly or indirectly) you for everything wrong that's happening in their life.
Abuse in friendships should never be minimized or ignored. Unfortunately, many people associate abuse only with romantic relationships or family members, omitting the stark reality of abuse in friendships. It's tough to recognise and even more complicated to confront. Often, the abuser may use manipulation, guilt-tripping, and gaslighting tactics to control the victim's actions or behaviours. It's essential to remember that friendship is not supposed to feel like an obligation or burdensome. If your 'friendship' involves unspoken rules or constant anxiety, it may be time to reconsider your relationship. Remember that abuse comes in different forms, and it's critical to surround yourself with healthy and supportive relationships," says Dr Chandni Tugnait is M.D. (Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder & Director - Gateway of Healing.
Dr Chandni shares some red flags of an abusive friendships:
Blame
An abuser will continuously and unfairly blame their friends or loved ones for their failures, shortcomings, and disappointments. They may also make unsolicited criticisms or judgments that harm the other person's self-esteem and identity. Read More..
