You want friends who will stand by you no matter what, but what if you find yourself surrounded by fake friends? If you’ve come here, it’s because you suspect that someone in your circle isn’t being the friend they should be. Does this mean you should cut them out of your life completely? Not necessarily. You can still be around them, but it's important to know your boundaries and recognize where you stand. Learning how to spot a fake friend is an essential skill for everyone.

Know Your Boundaries with Them
It doesn’t always have to be so complicated. If you can differentiate between real and fake friends, you’ll set yourself up for healthier relationships in the future. Finding friends is easy, but finding true, reliable friends is the real challenge. While everyone wants to have fun and be surrounded by lively people, the true test comes when you need emotional support. That’s when you see who your real friends really are.

There have been times when I believed my friends were people I could depend on, only to find out when I truly needed help, they were nowhere to be found. I should’ve noticed the signs earlier, but instead, I was focused on just having a good time. Recognizing a fake friend isn’t as hard as it seems once you know what to look for.

Signs of a Fake Friend:

They Don’t Accept You for Who You Are

This is you, the real you. But if they treat you like something’s wrong with you or that you need to change parts of yourself, then it’s a sign they’re not a true friend. A genuine friend accepts your flaws and loves you regardless. Friends are meant to support you, not judge you.

Of course, everyone has a bit of jealousy, but a real friend will celebrate your success. If you notice that your friend is making snide remarks or teasing you about your accomplishments, it’s more likely that they’re feeling jealous rather than happy for you.

You’re Their Emotional Punching Bag

A fake friend will feel no hesitation in dumping all their emotional baggage on you. They’ll ask for advice, but never seem to take it, while you continue putting in emotional effort with nothing in return. They want you to do all the work but have no intention of changing.

They Only Call When They Need Something

One of the most obvious signs of a fake friend is when they’re only around when they need something from you. They’ll hang out with you when it’s fun, but if you haven’t seen them in a while, the next thing you know, they’ll be calling, asking for a favor.

They’re Not There When You Need Them

Fake friends can make promises about being there for you, but when it’s time to actually help, they disappear. They don’t really care about your problems, they just want you around when it suits them. If you’re dealing with something difficult and they’re nowhere to be found, that’s a red flag.

Sometimes, a real friend might get upset when you call them out for something, but they’ll have a conversation with you to work it out. Fake friends, on the other hand, will get defensive and might even get angry when you tell them the truth.

They Distract You from Your Goals

If you have goals or dreams, a true friend will push you to achieve them, not try to divert your attention away from them. Fake friends will do just the opposite, often distracting you from your goals, no matter how small they are. It's almost as if they don’t want you to succeed in life.

They’re All About the Gossip

A fake friend will constantly be fishing for information, either about you or others. If they’re doing this in front of you, imagine what they’re saying behind your back. While a little gossip is normal, when it becomes excessive, that’s a sign of an unhealthy friendship.

You Don’t Feel Comfortable Being Yourself Around Them

If you can’t relax or be yourself when you’re around them, it’s a sign that they’re not a real friend. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you act, dress, or speak to fit in with them. If you’re constantly trying to please them or change to meet their expectations, it’s time to reassess the friendship.

They Always Make Themselves the Priority

If something positive happens to you, and they try to overshadow it with their own problems, that’s a major red flag. They’ll make sure their issues take precedence over anything good happening in your life. A true friend would celebrate your victories, not make them about themselves.

They Don’t Keep Their Promises

A fake friend will make promises but consistently fail to follow through. They’ll come up with countless excuses, but in the end, they never deliver. A real friend doesn’t need to make promises—they just show up and do what they say they will.

You may already know who this fake friend is in your life. You’re here because you’re looking for confirmation. Deep down, you understand exactly what’s going on. You might hesitate to cut them off or feel like you need them for something, but remember, this relationship isn’t healthy. It’s time to make a decision for your own well-being.