Characteristics of Individuals Frequently Transforming into the Marginal Companion, Regularly Contacted Only in Times of Mutual Need
In the complex web of friendships, it's essential to identify and nurture relationships that enrich our lives, rather than drain our emotional energy.
According to life coach Sherri Gordon, setting boundaries in emotionally draining relationships is crucial. Real friends, she argues, should always include the "fringe friend" in their plans, demonstrating a genuine desire to see and spend time with them.
However, the fringe friend's friends may not always realize the impact of their actions on the fringe friend's feelings of inclusion and importance. Their neglect can lead to feelings of being overlooked and undervalued.
Staff writer Nia Tipton, who focuses on psychology, relationships, and the human experience, suggests that when the fringe friend is not involved in making plans, it can make them feel like an afterthought rather than a priority.
Communicating needs and giving friends a chance to improve the relationship is advised before seeking out new connections. When toxicity persists, it's important to move on and find friends who remind the individual of their worth.
The friend who is always connecting people may find that they are viewed as a bridge instead of a person, and their own need for connection may be overlooked. Emotional draining can leave an individual feeling like they are shouldering another person's problems and absorbing their stress without reciprocation.
Being used by friends for emotional and mental energy can lead to feelings of being depleted instead of rejuvenated. The fringe friend's friends automatically come to them for help during turmoil, but do not check in or offer support when the fringe friend is facing difficulties.
Therapist Ariadne Platero emphasizes the importance of showing up for others and oneself in nourishing and strengthening relationships. Recognizing that friends are only around for the benefit of meeting new people instead of nurturing the friendship can be heartbreaking.
To handle toxic friendships, it's important to set clear boundaries and communicate openly about how their behavior affects you. Assess if the friend is willing to change when you share your concerns. If the toxicity persists, consider taking a break or ending the friendship, especially if it aligns with your emotional well-being and values.
Seek support from other friends, family, or professionals to maintain your emotional health throughout this process. Healthy friendships are meant to enrich and restore your emotional energy, not deplete it. Prioritizing relationships that respect your boundaries and bring mutual support is essential to maintaining emotional well-being.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development and personal-growth, understanding the psychology behind friendship can provide advice on cultivating relationships that offer love and mutual support.
- When it comes to lifestyles and dealing with emotionally draining relationships, communicating needs and giving friends a chance to improve the relationship may prevent feelings of being overlooked and undervalued in friendships.
- Casting a spotlight on psychology and relationships, it's crucial to recognize and address toxic friendships that drain emotional energy, instead focusing on relationships that foster personal growth and nurture one's well-being.
