Core Concepts
Maintaining unhealthy friendships can significantly impact one's overall well-being, and it is important to recognize the signs that a friendship should be ended.
Abstract
The article discusses the importance of recognizing when a friendship has become unhealthy and should be ended, drawing parallels to the decision to end a marriage. The author suggests that just as people can become accustomed to unhappy jobs or marriages, they can also become accustomed to unhealthy friendships, which can ultimately lead to a "shitty life."
The article outlines seven "red flags" that indicate a friendship should be reconsidered:
The friend is constantly negative or critical, bringing you down.
The friend is unreliable and flakes on plans or commitments.
The friend is manipulative or takes advantage of you.
The friend is jealous or competitive, undermining your success.
The friend is disrespectful or fails to respect your boundaries.
The friend is constantly drama-filled, causing you stress and anxiety.
The friend is toxic and brings more harm than good to your life.
The author emphasizes that while ending a marriage or job may be more complicated, it is easier to "divorce" a friend who is a "pain in the ass" if these red flags are present. The article suggests that recognizing and addressing these issues can lead to a healthier, happier life.
Stats
Shitty job + Shitty marriage + Shitty friends = Shitty life.
Quotes
"There are long-term marriages that should have been short-term, and both parties know it."
"We can get used to everything: shitty jobs, shitty marriages, shitty friendships."