In a world where building relationships is essential, it is important to know that not all friendships or relationships are healthy. This article is an opinion piece about the 5 types of friends to avoid. Judging from personality traits and character, this article will also be helpful to select the type of people you want to associate with or get in business with.

Many of us at one time or the other have been in relationships with people who just happen to have little toxic traits in them. However, because they have been nice to us in the past or are still nice, we have refused to accept that such relationships or friendships are actually detrimental to our well-being.

Imagine being friends with people who you can't really be yourself amongst because you are afraid of being judged, misunderstood or mocked. There is a drowning feeling that comes with such friendships and at the end of the day, you end up losing your own identity.

friends at the beach watching sunset

Most times we ignore the red flags in these relationships or friendships because we either want to give them time to change or we have come to accept them the way they are, even at a personal cost. Some people, unfortunately, cannot even identify these red flags.

Below is a list of 5 types of people you should never be friends with. If you are already friends with people who exhibit these traits, it is high time you call them out on their toxic behaviour or cut them off.

5 types of friends to avoid

The abuser

Abusers have mastered the art of manipulation and are not afraid to use this skill to manipulate you for their selfish interests at the slightest opportunity. They abuse your trust, loyalty and forgiveness for their personal gain. Abuse can be both physical and emotional.

The complainer

Ever hung out with friends who just love to complain about everything? Yes, they can be really annoying. Complainers love to complain about things that they themselves are not willing to change. They complain about other people but are unwilling to see the faults in themselves and will never accept that they are also less than perfect.

The blamer

Blamers never want to accept responsibility for their wrongdoing, they instead blame you, others or their zodiac signs for their toxic behaviour. Friends like this will always make you feel less than you are because you always end up getting blamed for their own shortcomings. When you have a blamer as a friend, expect to always be on the defence.

The competitor

Such friends are never truly excited about your wins because, in their minds, they are in some form of competition with you. They might want to see you do well, just as long as you're not doing better than them.

The user

These are friends who are only friends with you because of the things they can get from you. Don't get me wrong, it is essential to have mutually beneficial relationships. However, when one party is the only one benefiting, it becomes a parasitic relationship.

Users only love you, call you and want to be with you only so they can use you. Friends like this only call you when they need help in one form or the other, they only want to hang out with you as long as you are footing the bills.

It could be pretty hard to spot people like this until they are already part of your life, however, you owe yourself the right to cut such people out of your life if they refuse to change. It is important to note that not all people are ready or willing to change, so do not be afraid to walk out of that toxic relationship or friendship.

Read also 6 Types of Friends You Should Have.