Bad friends are all around high school. In a toxic friendship, you never feel real compassion or attention. You feel minimized and drained when they brush off your problems or even ignored when the friendship is one-sided. Having these friendships can cause many self esteem issues. If you do any of the following, then you might be a bad friend. 

Step 1 on how not to be this type of friend is the simple phrase, “Treat people how you want to be treated.” Think before you say something and ask yourself how you would feel if it was the other person saying this to you. Many friends tend to think some things are okay when they do it but not when someone does it to them. This leads to the next step.

Step 2: Lose Your Ego. Realize that you are not above anyone the same way no one is above you. A friendship should not be one sided. When your friend is talking to you, listen. Don’t solely pay attention when things are convenient for you. Imagine how you would feel, ignored.

Step 3: Your Friends Are Not Your Competition. Don’t try to be someone you are not. You shouldn’t want to be your friend nor try to steal friends, or even date their exes. As much as you try or change, you will never be that person. Being dishonest to make yourself look better than your friend is low. 

Step 4: Avoid Spreading Rumors Of Others. You know it’s not true, you know it’s going to hurt families, and you know it’s going to hurt this person. If your own friends know you do this to other people, they know you would do it to them and no one wants a friend like this. Gossiping is normal, you hear things but creating a lie is heartless. It’s all fun and games until the roles are reversed and the rumor spreads about you.

Step 5: Don’t Be A Drainer. If you notice your friend is happy about something, why ruin their mood? Up lift them. Others avoid hanging around low life because they will always try to bring others down to their level. Misery loves company. If you are miserable, don’t feel the need to bring your friend down with you. 

On a final note, use this as a guide. Be the person everyone wants to be around. Treat others with respect and do things with good intentions. Quality over quantity always.