Sometimes people grow and become more self-aware with age and maturity, and you may find a fake friend can evolve into a true friend over time. The fair-weather friend: Fair-weather friends are there when times are good, but are nowhere to be found when things are tough. However, if you've made it this far and firmly believe this person to be a fake friend with no hope for reconciliation, it's probably best to walk away. And even in the case of talking about it, Nuñez notes, "You have to remember with fake friends: What is their agenda?"

Set limits regarding time and emotional space. It's not always realistic to give a fake friend a lot of your time and energy. Be aware of how much you can tolerate this person and manage your time with them accordingly. [1] X Research source A genuine friend will always have time for you. The fake friend will only look for ways to avoid spending time with you. The competitor: Competitors view your accomplishments as a threat to themselves. They downplay your achievements, undermine your efforts, or try to one-up you to maintain a sense of superiority.Sometimes there are people that make us overthink everything we say. Maybe we don’t want to hurt their feelings. Or maybe we don’t want to look uncool. There are even scientific studies that link uncertainty to stress and even brain damage. If you find yourself always trying to predict your friend’s reaction, you might be in a toxic relationship. Here’s an easy way to tell if a joke is from a friend or a frenemy: if your friend tells a joke to make you feel happy or cheer you up, that’s great! But if your “friend” tells a joke just for the sake of laughter—regardless of how it makes you feel—you know you’re on the verge of frenemy territory. You are not required to respect someone who does not respect you. If a fake friend is difficult to make plans or spend time with, it's okay to disengage. You can still be around this person, especially if you have to in groups, but it's okay to stop reaching out on a one-to-one level or engaging this friend's drama. You should focus your emotional energy on true friends.

The Problem: You just aren’t sure. Where do you stand? Do they help or support you? You are constantly on guard and second-guessing them. This kind of ambivalence takes a lot of energy because you are in a constant state of not knowing. Eventually, you may reach your limit. You may feel like it is time to call out your fake friend due to his or her hurtful or destructive pattern of behavior. A true friend is going to listen to what you have to say. Then, he or she is going to apologize if he or she has hurt you in any way. Jealousy: They may feel threatened by your successes and accomplishments. Instead of celebrating your achievements, they may try to downplay them or compete with you.

Do you agree with this statement? “I want to be less awkward”

Only by changing your approach will your fake friends realize that they can’t mess with you ever again. You may also like reading: We all know someone who loves drama and being the center of attention. Friendships with a person like this may be conflictual, one-sided, and manipulative. Attention seeking behavior does not always look the same, but it is often an indicator of a fake friendship. 6. They Peer Pressure You Try to surround yourself with people who have the same values as you. [2] X Expert Source Nancy Lin, PhD

Obligatory Friend: n Someone you don’t enjoy spending time with, but end up spending time with because you feel guilty. It’s a habit you do not know how to stop. Sometimes you need a friend just to talk. There is so much that happens but the heart holds it all up. When you are in the company of a true friend, you can bare your heart out and it will make you feel better. But fake friends will never spare the time for such a conversation. 10. They can’t keep a secret They can’t keep a secret

Some people aren’t happy until they infect everyone else with their sour mood or unpleasant attitude. They enjoy stirring the pot and creating conflict. The more commonalities you have, the more relevant someone is to you. In a great relationship, the circles move closer together: You may not believe it at first; however, a fake friend off and only pretends to be interested in you for the sole purpose of gathering information that can be used against you later. Be wary of this classic practice when it comes to fake friends. 11. A Fake Friend Leaves a Trail of Destruction Everywhere You might not realize it, but ambivalent relationships are more toxic than toxic ones. Wait! What? I know what you’re thinking, but let me explain: Friendships can sometimes include a healthy level of competition. However, you’ll know when the limit of this has been met. In fake friendships, competition is not good-natured or fun. Rather, it comes from a place of jealousy or their need to feel better than others. 3. They Make You Feel Bad About Yourself

Seek support: Talk to trusted friends or family members about your feelings. If you’re having trouble coping with the impact of their actions, reach out to a mental healthcare provider for support.Fake friends aren’t genuine in their care and investment in you. They may view you as expendable and convenient when it suits them.