35 Bad Friends You Should Unfriend from Your Life

Friendship can make our lives better, but not all friends are good for us. Some friends can bring us down, make us feel bad, or take too much of our time and energy.

It’s important to notice these bad friends so we can let them go. Many people hold onto these unhealthy friendships for different reasons, like the length of the friendship or shared friends.

However, when we remove these negative people from our lives, we can make space for better friendships that support and uplift us.

In this article, we will look at different types of bad friends you should consider unfriending to help you feel happier and healthier.

Types of Bad Friends You Should Remove from Your Life

35 Bad Friends You Should Unfriend from Your Life

Friendships are important, but not every friend is good for you. Some friends can hurt you more than help you.

It’s important to recognize these bad friends and let them go so you can focus on building healthier, happier friendships.

Here are some types of bad friends you should remove from your life:

1. The Flaky Friend

This is the friend who never shows up when you need them. You make plans, but they cancel or just don’t come.

You can’t count on them in emergencies, and they always have a reason why they couldn’t make it.

Sometimes, they don’t even realize how much this affects you. If you’ve told them how you feel but nothing changes, it may be time to end the friendship.

2. The One-Sided Friend

This friend makes you feel like you’re the only one trying in the friendship. You’re always the one calling or texting, while they rarely reach out.

This could be because they’re shy or afraid of seeming too needy, but if you’ve shared how you feel and nothing improves, it’s okay to walk away.

3. The Selfish Friend

A selfish friend only cares about themselves. They hang out with you only when it benefits them.

If they do something nice, it’s because they want something in return. These friendships are draining, and you deserve better.

4. The Excuse-Maker

This friend always has an excuse for their bad behavior. If they lie or let you down, they come up with a reason for everything.

After a while, you may stop expecting anything from them because they always find a way to let you down. This is a toxic friendship that you should cut off.

5. The Gossiping Friend

This friend loves talking about other people behind their backs. It’s hard to trust them because if they gossip about others, they could gossip about you too.

If this makes you uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to distance yourself from them.

6. The Love-Obsessed Friend

This friend is always talking about their love life. They might disappear when they start dating someone new and come back when they’re single again.

If their drama is the only thing they talk about and they make you feel like a backup friend, it may be time to reconsider the friendship.

7. The Controlling Friend

A controlling friend doesn’t respect your choices. They make you feel guilty when you don’t agree with them or say “no.”

This behavior can come from their own insecurities, but it’s not healthy. If they don’t respect your boundaries, it’s best to walk away.

8. The Jealous Friend

A jealous friend reacts badly when you share good news. Instead of being happy for you, they make sarcastic comments or try to bring you down.

Their jealousy can make you feel bad about your own successes. You don’t have to tolerate this negativity.

9. The Clingy Friend

This friend needs constant attention and reassurance. They might text or call too much, and it can feel overwhelming.

You might also feel like they depend on you too much for validation. It’s okay to set boundaries, but if they don’t respect them, it might be time to move on.

10. The Negative Friend

This friend always vents about their problems and leaves you feeling drained. If you feel like you’re their therapist and every conversation is filled with negativity, it can be exhausting.

If you dread talking to them because it’s always emotionally draining, it’s a sign to step back.

11. The Confidence Crusher

Good friends accept you for who you are, but bad friends tear you down to make themselves feel better.

Whether they make fun of your looks or point out your flaws all the time, it’s time to say goodbye to this toxic person.

12. The Poor Guidance Giver

This friend always gives you terrible advice. They might push you to break up with a good partner or convince you that your significant other is cheating, just to make themselves feel better.

If they don’t care about your happiness, they are not a real friend.

13. The Seasonal Friend

You only hear from this friend when they are single. When they are in a relationship, they completely disappear. If you try to reach out, you might get ignored.

14. The Selfish User

This friend only wants to hang out when they need something from you, like being the designated driver or someone to buy drinks.

They won’t spend time with you unless there’s a benefit for them. This type of friendship is all about taking, not giving.

15. The Unrequited Love

You have strong feelings for this friend, but they don’t feel the same way. Being around them can hurt, especially when they date others.

It’s a tough situation, and sometimes it’s better to step back from the friendship.

16. The Money-Draining Companion

This friend always wants to do expensive activities and doesn’t understand why you might want to save money.

Their plans often make you feel guilty about not wanting to spend.

17. The Appearance-Conscious Friend

This friend only wants to be seen with you if you look good. If you wear something casual, they give you a judgmental look.

They care more about appearances than building real friendships.

18. The Fair-Weather Buddy

One day, this friend is your best buddy, and the next day, they are best friends with someone else.

If you annoy them, they will quickly drop you but come back when they need you again.

19. The Romantic Opportunist

Some friends are not really interested in being your friend; they just want to hook up with you.

They might flirt and hope you will sleep with them, even if you are in a relationship.

20. The Drama Magnet

This friend always brings drama to your life. They can’t hang out with you unless they have their partner around or are sharing their latest problems. This friendship can feel overwhelming.

21. The Old Friend with No Shared Interests

You used to have a great time together, but now your lives are very different. If you can’t find anything in common anymore, it might be time to move on from this friendship.

22. The Constant Complainer

Whenever you share good news, this friend finds something bad to say about it. They always focus on the negatives and bring down your mood. Spending time with them can be draining.

23. The Dependent Pal

This friend always asks for help with everything, from texting their crush to choosing what to wear.

Their constant neediness can become tiring and unproductive.

24. The Two-Faced Friend

This friend pretends to be nice to your face but talks behind your back. They might spread lies or put you down to others. It’s important to cut ties with these toxic people.

25. The Unreliable Friend

You can never rely on this friend to keep plans. They are always canceling at the last minute, and their excuses get old fast.

26. The Envious Associate

This friend seems happy for you, but deep down, they are envious. When you succeed, they respond with sarcasm or negativity instead of support.

27. The Friend Who Puts You Down

This friend often makes sarcastic comments that hurt you. They say unkind things about you when others are around.

If you tell them how their words hurt, they just laugh and say, “I’m just kidding!” This friend always tries to make you feel small and damages your self-esteem.

28. The Always a Victim Friend

This friend always acts like the victim in every situation. According to Fleischman, they can’t find peace or happiness and won’t be able to support you in your friendship.

They can’t provide the help or understanding you need.

29. The Angry Friend

Being around someone who is always angry is very draining. This type of friend constantly argues and is never happy for you.

They often feel insecure hence you might want to help them, but over time, their negativity will tire you out.

30. The Let-You-Down Friend

We all know this type of friend. They make big promises, like going on trips together or being there for you during tough times.

But when it’s time to follow through, they change their mind and leave you feeling alone and disappointed.

31. The Friend Who Hurts You Regularly

If a friend often says or does things that make you sad, it’s a sign they shouldn’t be in your life. You shouldn’t have to worry about trusting them with your feelings.

32. The Self-Centered Friend

We’ve all met a friend who thinks they are amazing and wants all the attention. At first, they act like they really care, but soon, they show their true self.

They switch between being friendly and distant, leaving you confused and always expect you to make them happy.

33. The Distracted Friend

Have you ever tried talking to someone who is always on their phone?

This friend never really listens to you or cares about what’s happening in your life because they are too busy focusing on something else.

You might wonder why they even want to hang out with you.

34. The Energy Drainer

Do you feel exhausted after spending time with a certain friend?

If they leave you feeling tired and sad, while they seem happy and energized, you might be dealing with an energy vampire. It’s best to stay away from them.

35. The Friend Who Hinders Your Progress

It’s hard to stay motivated, and just when you feel ready to chase your dreams, this friend comes along and tells you it’s not worth it.

They crush your enthusiasm and hold you back from succeeding.

Signs of A Toxic Friend

Having good friends is one of the most important things in life. But not all friends are good for you. Some friends can be toxic and hurt your happiness and well-being.

Here are signs of bad friends and why you should remove them from your life:

1. You’re Always the One Reaching Out

If you’re always the one making plans and trying to spend time with your friend, but they never do the same, that’s a big sign of a bad friendship.

A real friend will want to spend time with you too, not just when they need something.

2. They Don’t Reply to Your Texts

When you send them a message, they take forever to reply. And when they finally do, it’s usually because they need something from you.

If they cared about you, they would respond to your texts without waiting days or weeks.

3. They Get Mad at You for Things They Do

This friend gets angry when you don’t respond fast enough to their messages, but they ignore your texts all the time.

This double standard shows they don’t care about your feelings and only want things to go their way.

4. They Don’t Support Your Dreams

A real friend should support your goals and dreams. If your friend makes negative comments or discourages you from achieving your goals, they are not helping you grow.

You deserve friends who lift you up, not bring you down.

5. They Talk Behind Your Back

If you find out that your friend is saying bad things about you behind your back, that’s a huge red flag.

True friends don’t spread rumors or speak negatively about you to others. This kind of behavior is toxic and harmful.

6. They Talk Bad About People You Care About

A bad friend might also talk negatively about your family or other friends.

If they are gossiping about others to you, they are probably gossiping about you to other people too.

This is not the kind of friend you want in your life.

7. They Ruin Your Fun

Whenever you’re out having a good time, they somehow make the situation worse.

They might complain or be negative, which takes all the fun out of the experience. A good friend should bring joy, not spoil your happiness.

8. Their Drama Becomes Your Problem

Even if their problems have nothing to do with you, their drama always seems to affect your life.

If their issues are constantly making your life more stressful, it’s time to question if they are a true friend.

9. You Feel Lonely Around Them

Even though you call them your friend, you feel lonely when you’re with them.

If you feel like you don’t really have friends, even when you’re with them, it’s time to reconsider the friendship.

Real friends should make you feel supported and cared for.

10. You Feel Judged for Your Choices

A friend is someone you should be able to talk to about anything without fear of judgment.

If you feel like you can’t be open with them because they judge your choices, they are not a true friend.

11. They Don’t Make You Feel Better When You’re Sad

When you’re upset, a real friend will try to comfort you and make you feel better. If your friend doesn’t care or only makes you feel worse, they are not being a good friend.

12. Your Problems Don’t Matter to Them

If you’re going through a tough time and your friend doesn’t seem to care, they are not truly your friend.

They might only show interest when they need help with their own problems. This one-sided friendship is not worth keeping.

13. You’d Rather Be Alone Than Spend Time With Them

If you find yourself preferring to spend time alone rather than hanging out with your friend, that’s a sign that the friendship isn’t healthy.

Friends should make you feel happy and excited to be with them.

14. Other Friends Point Out the Problem

If other friends are warning you about this person, it’s a good idea to listen. Sometimes we don’t see the bad behavior of a friend, but others do. Trust the people who care about you.

15. They Leave You Waiting

If your friend is always late or keeps you waiting for long periods, they are showing a lack of respect for your time.

This shows that they don’t value your schedule or your feelings.

16. They Give You the Silent Treatment

If your friend is upset with you and decides to give you the silent treatment instead of talking about the issue, that’s a bad sign.

Communication is key in any relationship, and ignoring someone is disrespectful.

17. They Don’t Realize They’re Negative

Bad friends often have no idea how their behavior affects others. They might be rude, mean, or selfish, but they are completely unaware of it.

This lack of self-awareness makes it difficult for them to change.

18. They Are Selfish

A bad friend only thinks about themselves. They always want things to go their way and never consider your needs or feelings.

A good friendship should be balanced, with both people caring for each other.

19. They Take Advantage of You

If your friend only calls you when they need something, like borrowing money or asking for a favor, they are taking advantage of your kindness. A real friend wouldn’t use you like this.

20. You Imagine Life Without Them and Feel Better

If you think about your life without this person and feel happier or more at peace, that’s a clear sign that they don’t belong in your life.

Trust your instincts and let go of toxic friends who only bring you down.

21. They Only Want to Be Around You When They Need Something

This friend seems to disappear until they need a favor or help. They don’t spend time with you just to enjoy your company.

They only contact you when they want something from you. This is not a healthy friendship because they are using you.

22. They Try to Keep You Away from Others

This friend might say bad things about your other friends or even your partner to make you feel like they are the only person you can trust.

They don’t like you spending time with other people because they want to be your only focus. This is a sign of control, not friendship.

23. You Make Excuses for Their Bad Behavior

Sometimes you find yourself defending your friend to others, even when they treat you poorly.

Maybe your other friends see the problem, but you feel like you have to explain or excuse your bad friend’s behavior. This is a sign that the friendship is unhealthy.

24. They Take More from the Friendship Than They Give

Friendships should be a balance, where both people support each other.

But if your friend is always asking for help, time, or energy, without giving anything back, they are taking too much.

This is unfair and can make you feel drained.

25. They Take Up Too Much of Your Time Too Soon

If this is a new friend, and they want all your time or tell you very personal things too quickly, it can feel overwhelming.

A healthy friendship takes time to grow, but this person rushes things and makes you feel uncomfortable.

26. They Only Call When Something is Wrong

If your friend only reaches out when they have a problem, but never checks on you or wants to spend time with you during good times, that’s a bad sign.

A good friend should be there for both happy and sad moments, not just when they need support.

27. They Plan Everything Without Caring About Your Interests

This friend always makes decisions about where to go or what to do without asking what you want.

They don’t care about your preferences and just plan activities based on what they like. This shows they are selfish and don’t value your opinion.

28. They Only Talk About Themselves

When you hang out, this friend always talks about their life, problems, or successes. They never ask about your life or listen when you try to share your thoughts.

The friendship feels one-sided because they monopolize the conversation.

29. They Complain That You Don’t Do Enough

No matter how much time or effort you give, this friend always says it’s not enough. They make you feel guilty for not being available all the time.

This is unfair because friendship should not be about making you feel bad.

30. They See You as Competition

Instead of supporting you, this friend might see everything as a competition. If you succeed in something, they feel threatened or jealous.

They can’t celebrate your wins because they are too busy comparing themselves to you. This is not a sign of a true friend.

Why Do We Keep Toxic Friendships?

We often stay in toxic friendships for several reasons, even if they make us unhappy. Here are some common reasons:

1. Familiarity

Many of us have friends we’ve known for a long time. This could be from school, childhood, or even family connections.

Because we’ve shared so many experiences, it feels comfortable to keep these friendships.

We might think, “We’ve been through so much together,” which makes it hard to let go, even if the friendship is not good for us.

We get used to having them around, and change can feel overwhelming.

2. Shared Connections

Sometimes, our friendships are linked to other friends. For example, if we hang out with a group and one person is toxic, we might worry that ending that friendship will cause problems in the whole group.

We think, “What will happen to our other friends if I stop talking to this person?” This fear of creating awkwardness or tension among friends can make us stay in unhealthy relationships.

3. Convenience

If a toxic friend is someone we see often, like a coworker or a neighbor, it may feel easier to keep the friendship.

We might think, “I have to see them at work anyway, so why not keep the friendship?”

It can feel like too much work to confront the problems or create distance, especially if we have to interact with them regularly.

4. Fear of Change

Change is often scary. Letting go of a friend means losing a part of our life that we have grown used to. We may worry about being alone or not having someone to hang out with.

We think, “What if I can’t find another friend?” This fear can keep us stuck in toxic friendships because the idea of losing someone, even if they are not good for us, feels worse than the discomfort of staying.

5. Hope for Improvement

Many people hold onto toxic friendships because they hope that things will get better. We remember the fun times and think, “Maybe they will change.”

We believe that if we just give it more time, the friendship will improve. This hope can make us ignore the signs that the friendship is unhealthy.

We might think, “They are just having a bad day,” instead of recognizing a pattern of bad behavior.

6. Low Self-Esteem

Sometimes, we don’t think we deserve better friends. If we feel unworthy or believe that we can’t find someone who treats us well, we may stick with toxic friends.

We think, “At least I have someone,” even if that person is not supportive. This belief can make it hard to see the value in ourselves and the kind of friendships we deserve.

How Can a Toxic Friend Affect Your Life?

A toxic friend can change your life in many negative ways. Mollie Candib, a licensed therapist, says that these friends can cause low self-esteem, self-doubt, and a lack of healthy boundaries.

They can also make you feel more stressed and anxious, which can affect other friendships too.

Rachel Fleischman, another licensed therapist, points out some signs that show you might be friends with a toxic person.

These negative effects can be serious. If you want a better, happier life, surround yourself with positive people who genuinely care about you. This is key to having a good life.

Here are some reasons to stop tolerating bad friends:

1. They Are Exhausting

Being around negative people can feel like they are “energy vampires.” They take away your happiness and leave you feeling drained. Life is too short to feel so tired and unhappy all the time.

2. They Bring You Down

If your friend is always complaining, you might start to feel negative too. Being around such a friend can make you less happy and more negative, which isn’t healthy.

3. They Disrespect You

Everyone deserves respect. If your friend doesn’t treat you well, it’s a bad friendship. You deserve to be around people who value and respect you.

4. They Hurt Your Mental Health

When a friend drains your energy and brings you down, it can harm your mental health.

You might feel anxious or even sad. This negativity can also affect your physical health if it lasts too long.

We might fear that changing the relationship will lead to more discomfort. However, that fear can keep us stuck in a confusing and painful friendship.

5. You Feel Anxious and Embarrassed by Your Toxic Friend

When you are with a toxic friend, you often feel nervous or embarrassed.

Maybe they say or do things that make you uncomfortable, and you worry about how they behave around others.

This constant worry is not good for your peace of mind. A true friend should make you feel relaxed and happy, not stressed out.

6. You’re Sure They Talk Behind Your Back, and You Do the Same

You start to feel like your toxic friend talks badly about you when you’re not around. You might hear them gossiping about others, and it makes you wonder if they do the same to you.

Worse, you might find yourself talking behind their back as well, which creates even more tension and distrust in the friendship.

7. Their Advice Feels Uncaring and Unrealistic

When you go to them for advice, it feels like they don’t really understand or care about what you need.

Their advice might seem selfish or unrealistic, as if they are not thinking about your feelings. This makes you feel unheard and unsupported.

8. You Feel Drained or Anxious When You’re Around Them

Spending time with a toxic friend can leave you feeling tired or anxious. Instead of feeling happy after seeing them, you feel worse.

A good friend should make you feel energized and uplifted, but a toxic friend does the opposite.

9. You Doubt Their Intentions and Feel Let Down Repeatedly

You start to question whether your friend truly cares about you. Time and time again, they disappoint you.

Maybe they don’t keep their promises or fail to be there when you need them the most. This repeated letdown leaves you feeling frustrated and hurt.

10. You Help Them, But Get Nothing in Return

In a toxic friendship, you may find yourself always giving — whether it’s your time, energy, or support — but not receiving the same in return.

You might feel like you’re constantly helping your friend, but when you need help, they are nowhere to be found. This imbalance can make you feel used and unappreciated.

11. There’s Always Competition Between You

While healthy competition can be fun, constant competition in a friendship is a bad sign.

If your friend always tries to outdo you or make everything into a contest, it can create feelings of jealousy or frustration. Friendship is about support, not rivalry.

12. You Feel Like You Have to Defend Their Bad Behavior

You might find yourself making excuses for your toxic friend’s behavior, even when you know it’s wrong. Maybe others point out their flaws, and you feel the need to defend them.

This can leave you feeling conflicted, knowing deep down that their actions aren’t okay, but feeling too loyal to admit it.

How to Unfriend a Bad Friend from Your Life

Letting go of a toxic friend is not easy, but it is necessary for your well-being and mental health.

Sometimes, a toxic friend needs more help, like therapy or support from others, but that’s not your responsibility.

If being around this person makes you feel bad, you probably won’t be able to give them the support they need. Here’s how you can break free from a bad friendship:

1. Have the Talk, If You Can

If it feels right and safe, try to talk to your friend first. Explain how their actions make you feel and see if the friendship can change for the better.

Be clear about what you need from the relationship. But if your friend is not open to changing or doesn’t listen, it’s time to let go.

You can simply tell them that being friends is no longer working for you and that it is affecting you negatively.

If you want, you can give specific examples of why the friendship isn’t healthy anymore. This way, they will understand your reasons, and it can help stop any drama or confusion.

2. Create Some Distance

If your toxic friend is part of a larger group of friends, you don’t need to cut off all ties immediately. Instead, avoid spending time alone with them.

Stick to group gatherings where you feel supported and safe with other friends around. It’s important to set up boundaries that protect your mental health.

3. Unfollow and Unfriend

When a friendship can’t be fixed, it’s time to unfollow them on social media. Unfriend them, unsubscribe from their updates, and cut off communication.

This step helps create a clear boundary between you and them. By doing this, you remind yourself that it’s okay to let go of people who don’t add value to your life.

4. Let Go of Guilt

It’s normal to feel a little guilty when ending a friendship, but remember that you’re doing it for your own well-being.

You can’t change toxic people, and you deserve to move on. By letting go of a bad friend, you will find peace and feel lighter without the negative energy weighing you down.

5. Feel the Relief

After cutting ties with a toxic friend, you might notice a huge sense of relief.

You’ll realize how much tension you were carrying because of this unhealthy relationship.

Your self-esteem will grow, and you’ll feel more confident in setting boundaries with others. You’ll also become more empowered to make decisions that are best for you.

6. Be Honest

When ending a friendship, be mature and honest. Don’t just disappear without telling them why.

Explain your reasons for ending the friendship, so they don’t keep chasing you for attention.

Being upfront helps prevent future gossip or misunderstandings. It’s not easy, but it’s the best way to handle the situation with respect.

7. Set Boundaries

If you’re not ready to completely cut off the friendship, start by setting clear boundaries.

This could mean not replying to texts right away, only meeting in group settings, or reducing how often you see them.

Don’t feel guilty if your friend reacts angrily — stand your ground. Remember, your comfort comes first.

8. Don’t Do All the Work

Friendship should be a two-way street. If you’re the one always reaching out, making plans, or adjusting to their schedule, it’s time to step back.

A real friend will make an effort to stay connected. If they don’t, it’s a sign that it’s time to move on.

9. Ignore the Drama

Sometimes, after you distance yourself from a bad friend, they may try to come back into your life.

They might gossip about you to others or try to get a reaction out of you. Stay calm and ignore their behavior.

They want attention, but you don’t need to give it to them. Focus on moving forward.

10. Find New Friends

Losing a friend can leave a void in your life, but don’t rush to fill it with just anyone. Take time to figure out what you want in new friendships.

Make sure to spend time with supportive friends and work on building relationships that are positive and healthy.

Making friends as an adult can be hard, but it’s worth the effort to find people who truly care about you.

Final Thoughts

Bad friends can make your life harder and more stressful. It’s important to recognize when a friendship isn’t healthy and take steps to remove these negative influences.

Surround yourself with people who support and care for you, and you’ll feel happier and more fulfilled.

Letting go of bad friends can be tough, but it is necessary for your well-being. Life is too short to spend time with people who don’t bring joy and positivity.

By un-friending those who hold you back or drain your energy, you can create room for new, supportive friendships that help you grow.

Remember, true friends should lift you up and make you feel good about yourself. Take the first step today toward a happier life by surrounding yourself with better friends!