While friendships form a crucial part of our lives, it is often hard to turn a blind eye when we begin to detect minor and major changes that happen.
Many of us only notice the signs of a one-sided friendship once we are no longer a part of that friendship. We are here to remind you that reciprocation remains one of the fundamental bases of any relationship, let alone a friendship.
The lack of reciprocity does not necessarily equate to a friendship breakup. However, you may want to start implementing healthy boundaries as this concept is highly recommended.
Sunshine City Counselling – a collective of therapists who specialize in various forms of therapy- defines a one-aided friendship as “a relationship where one person puts in all the effort, while the other person contributes very little.”
Providing us with the warnings that we should be on the lookout for is Sunshine City Counseling – a collective of therapists who specialize in various forms of therapy.
Always being critical:
A friend that is constantly filled with negativity and always criticizes whatever it is you may share with them. In some cases, many people may find their friends go the extra mile to try and get their confidence low by either emphasizing on their insecurities, leading to low self-esteem.
Lack of communication:
As stated by Sunshine City Counseling “in a healthy friendship, communication should be a two-way street, where both parties’ initiate conversations and show interest in each other’s lives.” These can also include constantly cancelling of plans and not making an effort towards trying to spend time with one another, as well as frequently remaining unavailable.
Disrespecting boundaries:
Boundaries are put in place to ensure that all parties are respectful and considerate towards the other party at all times. Sunshine City Counseling further mentions “showing up unannounced or making demands on their time and energy” as explains that are a sign of not respecting boundaries. Friends should always respect and value one anthers values and time.
Reaching out only when they need something:
Friends are meant to keep in touch and regularly check in on one another. When friends begin to do so on their own terms and conditions, especially ones that are more favoring of their needs then that tends to become a problem if frequently done. Friendships require effort and balance from both parties. Sunshine City Counseling elaborates that “this behavior can also be selfish and hurtful to the other person, as they may feel used or taken advantage of.” Further explaining these practices can often lead to frustration, which may damage friendship.
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