You often see articles about what an unhealthy intimate relationship with someone looks like. There are not many about unhealthy friendships. This is that article. The one that will hopefully make you aware of your unhealthy friendships. Because, unfortunately, friendships can be just as toxic to you as intimate relationships can be.

Friendships should be fun, supporting, uplifting, and joyful, not something that constantly brings you down more than lifts you up. We invest so much time and effort into friendships that it can sometimes be hard to realize when a friendship is unhealthy or is becoming unhealthy.

Friendships where your friends constantly put you down instead of bring you up or make fun of you are not ok. Yes, friends joke around sometimes, but when it comes to a point where it is truly hurting your feelings and your friends don't care, it is time to let them go. Friends should be making you feel good about yourself, not worse.

If you feel like you are constantly putting in more effort, or you feel like your friends only make time for you when it is convenient for them, this is also not okay. Yes, people get busy, especially at our age, but that is not an excuse.

To me, it is much harder to "break up" with a friend than it is with any boy. When you tell a friend you don't want to be friends with them anymore, it drags on and on and on. The process usually ends up being very slow and very painful. But, you have to do what's best for you, even if you have to lose a friend in the process.

It's hard. It's painful. But it is less painful than having those toxic people in your life. If someone is toxic to you, don't let them continue to be. Do something about it. Don't let them continue to be in your life and hurt you even more. Life is way too short to be with people who make you unhappy.

I have had my fair share of friendships that become unhealthy, and yes, it still hurts a little bit. But it's okay, it happens to all of us. Always remember that some people are either a lesson or a blessing - you just have to carefully figure out who is who.