“Hey there! Ever had a friend who leaves you feeling a bit…weird?

You know, those moments when they say or do something that just doesn’t feel right?

If this is hitting close to home, you’re in the right place.

And remember, it’s not cool for a friend to make you feel bad or disrespect your feelings.

So, let’s dive in and see if any of these signs sound familiar.

1) They don’t respect your personal space

Do you often find your friend getting too close for comfort? Whether they’re always sitting too close, going through your personal stuff, or showing up at your door unannounced, these are all signs they’re not respecting your personal space.

Everyone needs some room to breathe, and if your friend doesn’t understand that, it’s a clear sign they’re crossing boundaries.

2) They don’t listen to your ‘no’

Does your friend push you into things you’re not comfortable with, even when you’ve clearly said ‘no’?

If you find your friend is constantly pressuring you into doing things against your will, it’s a definite red flag.

Remember, ‘no’ means ‘no’ and a true friend should respect that.

3) They overshare personal information

Ever been in a situation where a friend shared too much information about you without your consent? I once had a friend who thought it was completely okay to share my personal stories with others.

I had confided in her about a difficult period in my life, only to find out later she’d been openly discussing it with people I barely knew. 

Keep in mind that friends should respect your privacy and the trust you place in them.

4) They don’t respect your time

Are you always waiting for them? Or maybe they cancel plans at the last minute?

Lack of respect for your time is a classic sign of a boundary violator.

Here’s an interesting fact: according to a study by Blue Jeans Network, 11 minutes is the average time people wait for latecomers in meetings before starting without them.

Imagine how much time gets wasted when your friend consistently disregards your schedule! 

5) They belittle your feelings

Does your friend brush off your feelings or make light of things that are important to you? If so, this is a big red flag.

We all have moments of vulnerability when we open up about our fears or worries. It takes courage to share our innermost feelings and when we do, we hope for understanding and empathy.

When a friend minimizes these feelings or turns them into a joke, it’s not only hurtful but a clear violation of emotional boundaries.

A true friend should always respect your feelings, even if they don’t fully understand them.

6) They constantly criticize you

Have you ever had a friend who always points out your flaws or mistakes?

I remember a friend who would always criticize my choices, whether it was my outfit, my career path, or even my choice of food. It felt like nothing I did was good enough for her.

Constructive criticism is one thing, but constant negative feedback can really chip away at your self-esteem.

7) They make you feel guilty

Let’s cut to the chase. Have you ever felt guilty for not meeting your friend’s endless demands or expectations?

Like you’re always falling short or not doing enough for them? That’s not friendship, that’s manipulation.

Friends should make you feel loved and appreciated, not guilty or inadequate.

8) They’re always competing with you

Do you feel like your friend is always trying to one-up you?

Whether it’s your job, your love life, or even your new pair of shoes, they always have something ‘better’.

Here’s an interesting fact: according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, feelings of envy and rivalry are common in friendships, but they should never dominate the relationship.

9) They don’t support your successes

Ever had a big win and the friend you thought would be thrilled for you just…wasn’t?

I experienced this when I landed my dream job. Instead of celebrating with me, my friend downplayed the achievement and quickly changed the subject. It was hurtful and confusing.

True friends should be your biggest cheerleaders, supporting and celebrating your successes, not minimizing them or making you feel bad for being successful.

10) They use your secrets against you

Let’s get real. Have you ever shared a secret with a friend, only to have them use it against you later?

It’s one of the most hurtful things a ‘friend’ can do. Secrets shared in confidence should remain that way.

If your friend uses your secrets as a weapon, it’s more than crossing boundaries – it’s a betrayal.

Bear in mind that true friendship is built on trust and respect, and anyone who doesn’t understand that doesn’t deserve to be in your inner circle.”