Even the closest friendships can have tensions, arguments, or gossip. According to experts, it's normal to have these situations sometimes, as they happen to everyone. However, there are some cases where situations are more tense than usual.
Why does it happen? Donna Morgan, a psychologist and relationship counselor, found that it's the lack of reciprocity of feelings - a one-sided friendship - that can cause "unhappiness."
"A friendship where one person constantly feels like they are investing more in the relationship, whether emotionally or in other aspects, can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and undervaluation."
Inconsistency or unreliability—through chronic last-minute cancellations or broken promises—can also lead to a friendship breakdown due to a breakdown of trust, which is the essence of a lasting friendship.
Even worse, a selfish friend who displays signs of narcissism can make you feel "unimportant."
"When one person in a friendship consistently dominates conversations, focusing primarily on their own experiences and showing little interest in others, it can make their friends feel unheard and unimportant," Morgan said.
Actively listening to your friend's perspective is essential. Communication is vital to a healthy friendship – but it can quickly cause a relationship to deteriorate if both parties cannot adequately express their feelings.
For example, you may prefer to speak directly and say things without worrying too much about how they sound, while your friend may like a more measured approach.
So, no one wants to hear out loud phrases like "how ugly you look today", or "this hair color doesn't suit you at all".
Behaviors and habits that may unintentionally offend your friends
1. Canceling plans
2. Shallow behaviors
3. Lack of attention/not listening
4. Inability to communicate
5. Narcissism
6. Lack of trust
"Not listening to a friend's advice can also lead to resentment," according to counselor Abigail Holman, who described a similar situation.
"This situation can create the idea that one friend is in a constant role of rescuer/parent, while the other may feel like a helpless victim, which can be emotionally draining for both parties," she explained.
The friend who asks for help may find it difficult to trust herself if she constantly finds solutions in others, while the other who offers advice may feel exhausted and emotionally frustrated, especially if the advice is not listened to.
Source: Marie Claire
