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Most of us would assume we actually know the people we stick close to. After all, who would be friends with someone who doesn’t treat you well, or, worse, is just a nasty person? As it turns out, many people have discovered that they didn’t actually know someone as well as they thought they did all too late.

We’ve gathered stories from people who came to the heartbreaking realization that someone they thought was a friend was actually a horrible person. So settle in as you scroll through, upvote the most interesting ones and be sure to share your own experiences in the comments section below.

#1

Young man in plaid shirt looking upset while checking his phone, reflecting on friends being total jerks. When I stopped reaching out or checking in first . No one has checked in on me in months even though they new exactly what ive been going through.

BrilliantExit8393 , zinkevych Report

StrangeOne
Community Member
5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know it goes both ways, but when you've given people ample time and space to make the effort and they haven't bothered, it's better to move on, or just not give it the emotional energy to worry about it. No bitter feelings towards them. The door is open. They just need to knock.

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    #2

    Person in wheelchair using laptop, illustrating challenges faced when friends turn out to be total jerks. When I became disabled and they disappeared.

    Pretty_Argument_7271 , freepik Report

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same happened when I got as diagnosed with a serious illness. A grand total of one person kept in touch and we hadn't even been that close. She's now one of my best friends.

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    #3

    Group of friends chatting and laughing outdoors, illustrating 80 people who finally noticed their friends were total jerks. People can like you, but not care about you. It was eye opening the day I learned that.

    One_Drew_Loose , Getty Images Report

    Nina
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does not compute with my system. How can you like someone and not care? If I like someone I want them to do well. Ofcourse there are gradations of how involved you are in their lives and that can reflect the level of care, but liking someone and not caring? No, don't get it. No idea if this is because I'm Neurodiverse or I'm just too caring

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    #4

    Person with curly hair sitting alone on a couch, reflecting on friendships and realizing some friends were total jerks. When I realised I was an afterthought.

    User-1967 , Marc Pell Report

    Mel Colley
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can relate to this one. When you're an afterthought, you don't have to give notice when you walk away.

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    #5

    Young girl in hospital bed using oxygen mask, highlighting struggles faced by people who finally noticed their friends were total jerks. When we were in 7th grade, a girl in our friend group was hospitalized for a serious condition. I went down to visit her several times with my dad, brought her a Frappuccino etc. One Saturday, I showed up with my dad with her frappe and there was all the other girls visiting her. It sucked knowing I wasn’t invited as a part of the group. I just assumed all the rest were going down alone with their parents as well. They were all very awkward and stand-offish towards me at the hospital, including the mom who brought them all down to visit.

    Shortly after, the entire group stopped texting me or answering my phone calls. I would call the sick girl’s landline and ask for her and you could tell her mom or sister who answered the phone asked if she wanted to speak to me then pretended my friend wasn’t there and she’d call me back. She never called me back. So I stopped texting them or calling them after that. None of them ever tried to contact me except years later one of them tried to friend me on Facebook but I declined. Not sure what I did wrong.

    anon , EyeEm Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The worst feeling is not knowing why. No closure whatsoever. It makes you question your whole self, like something is wrong with you.

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    #6

    Person in a yellow wheelchair attempting to navigate a curb outdoors, highlighting challenges faced by people with mobility issues. I nearly died, was in the hospital seriously injured, then was in a wheelchair for months. I’m fully healed now, but anyone who didn’t reach out to me during that time is no longer considered a friend. I do not reach out on their birthdays or holidays. It seems like they haven’t even noticed.

    PrinceFridaytheXIII , freepik Report

    Renee Fiola-Homen
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh stop! The poster almost died. If someone is truly a friend , bad time or not they will reach out even in just a phone call to check on you!

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    #7

    I moved countries. 6 months in, I realised while I'd been calling them every week, they hadn't called me once. I decided to stop calling them and wait for them to ring me. Haven't heard from any of them for 2 months and counting.

    spicysanger Report

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had the same when I left my country of birth. Sent birthday and Xmas cards, didn't even get an email. Stopped sending them, not one person cared. I'm literally not angry, just a bit disappointed. Found friends here who actually care about me, so the other ones aren't missed.

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    #8

    Two friends chatting and laughing at a bar with beers, capturing moments of friendship and realization of true character. Had what I thought was a very close, friend. Believed him to be an honorable person.

    But… When I saw a coworker at a restaurant. He pulled me aside and told me my so called friend was s**t talking about me. I couldn’t believe it.

    I helped him fix his home. Built his deck. Spoke highly of him and his wife.

    The coworker called over another guy and he confirmed the story.

    Heart breaking to say the least.

    broadsharp , Getty Images Report

    AuspiciousTree283
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Harder to not believe a stranger telling you the bad news.

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    #9

    Teen girl looking upset and isolated by a brick wall while two friends gossip in the background, reflecting total jerks behavior. Realized people weren’t my friends when they put in more work to put me down than lift me up. Also seeing how they would turn against me around others. I cut everyone off and I stay away from people as much as I can now.

    DruidElfStar , freepik Report

    Saltypepper
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know the feeling all to well my entire life ( I'm 49) I have never had a real friend ever ,it hurts ..I stoped trying to make friends lo g time ago

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    #10

    Person covering face in frustration while looking at phone, reflecting on friends who were actually total jerks. When I chose to stop reaching out to see how long it would take them to do it. They didnt.

    BouncingPost , freepik Report

    Howl's sleeping castle
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two years and counting. I know I shouldn't but it feels bad especially on birthdays and anniversaries

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    #11

    After I lost my best friend I started drinking quite a lot. After trying to take a break my friends persuaded me to go out for a friends birthday. After being encouraged to drink loads before we went into town, I ended up drinking so much I could barely walk. Saying I was going to go home, obviously when everyone’s having fun..that wasn’t going to happen. Long story short we had to pull over in the taxi so I could be sick. Basically I was told another taxi would get me and take me home. I was left passed out on the side of the road in a bush. No phone, no money (my friends accidentally took it with them) and nothing but a little dress I was wearing. All I remember was the taxi never showed, woke up with my dress around my waist. And sadly at the time being depressed and s******l, I can only remember trying to jump infront of cars. Until ‘apparently’ these 2 women found me and somehow managed to drive me home back to my mum safely. Then to have my stuff dropped off the next day by a friend. About 10 of my friends left me almost half naked, unconscious, mentally unstable and with no money/contacts to get home. Didn’t even get an apology as ‘it was my own fault’.
    My long a*s story of when I realised my ‘friends’ weren’t who I thought they were.
    P.s. in a better place now with completely new and real friends 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️.

    Chloocifer Report

    Motivated sloth
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a horror story. Very glad to hear op has real friends now.

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    #12

    Teen boy looking upset as friends in background laugh and talk, capturing moments of realizing total jerk behavior. When I realised I was getting burnt out from seeing them or hearing from them. They would always come to me and would constantly have problems, never want to do anything fun. Always ask for a lift or money, etc, without paying me back. It was like I was an ATM and chauffeur. One of my so-called friends actually tried to make me feel bad for being unable to drive him somewhere at the drop of a hat because I was more than 70 miles away at the time.

    emotional-empath , prostock-studio Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Convenience friendships seem to be the common theme.

    #13

    When you feel better away from them than with them.

    radpandaparty Report

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    #14

    Young woman sitting on a couch looking shocked at her phone, reacting to friends who finally noticed total jerks behavior. When I saw the separate group chat by accident.

    Potential_Cook1187 , f8studio Report

    Sapna Sarfare
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Been there.. they started hanging out separately. Wish they just told me on my face that i was no longer a part of the group

    #15

    Person in green plaid shirt refusing a drink, highlighting moments people realized their friends were total jerks. When I quit drinking.

    razrus , freepik Report

    Nikole
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This will happen. It’s because they feel awkward drinking in front of the sober person, almost ashamed.

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    #16

    They started saying "Libtards" unironically and sent me an uncomfortable amount of Ben Shapiro memes, also unironically.

    FrigginSargonMan Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone who adds the adjective "tard" to a label automatically received my undying contempt. I don't care if they claim to be on the same side I am, because the side that I am gives people with handicaps love and acceptance and never uses slurs like this.

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    #17

    When they started to become racist to people of color. Pretty much dropped them after that.

    Nytblossom Report

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope "pretty much" means "completely".

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    #18

    Person holding a white rose resting on a black coffin symbolizing people who finally noticed their friends were jerks. At age 22 when my father died and only one of them showed up to the funeral. I immediately wrote the others off.

    AnybodySeeMyKeys , Pablo Merchán Montes Report

    Just stopping by
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is a bit complicated. I would feel like I was intruding if I wasn't outright asked to be there for support. But I think I would check in first and afterwards to offer any sort of support I could

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    #19

    Man looking thoughtful and upset while friends sit and chat in the background, reflecting on people who noticed jerk friends. I have always been the *foster friend*

    Aka their friend until they get their s**t together and no longer need me.

    I realised when no one could be bothered to celebrate my 30th birthday... Now I keep a few "friends" but they're really just acquaintances who also ignore my birthday every year.

    HmNotToday1308 , namii9 Report

    Maren Villadsen
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I will come for your birthday. I know how it is to be all alone on once b day

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    #20

    Three women sharing a secret and drinks at an outdoor cafe, capturing moments of friendship and realization about true character. When I heard my so-called "friends" talking trash about me behind my back. I always advise people now **look at the pattern of actions people do, not their words, to see their true feelings.**.

    bmyst70 , Getty Images Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every one of my "friends" now never want to come over. My place is clean, I have activities, tons of movies, food. I always provide coffee, tea, etc. I try to keep it relaxed, informal and comfortable. The only person who asks to come over is my mom. I'm glad my daughter lives with me. I'd be super lonely without her. No one invites me over, too. They give excuses like their home is embarrassingly messy/dirty. Their spouse doesn't want anyone over. They're always doing stuff with their family and never have time for friends. I can understand that, but I wonder if their kids have time for friends, then.

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    #21

    Young woman sitting by a stone wall with a bicycle nearby, looking at her phone reflecting on friend relationships and jerks. I stopped caring. It’s not that it didn’t bother me, I just found purpose in things other than maintaining friendships all of the time. I have real hobbies now. I make time for a few people throughout the years and I keep to myself. I’m a lot happier now.

    EcstaticDeal8980 , freepik Report

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    #22

    Group of young people sitting outdoors, sharing food and drinks, capturing moments of friendship and connection. When it's "all about them."

    If you really want to see who your true friends are: Screw up or go through a challenging time - then see who sticks around.

    anon , Adolfo Félix Report

    Renee Fiola-Homen
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have to say when I was diagnosed last year with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer , I was pleasantly surprised at the love and support that surrounded me. People from my church that I've always been friendly with but not see outside of church were amazing and still are. And still maintain my very small circle. My heart breaks for those who were heartbroken by fake friends.

    #23

    A woman comforts a man upset about realizing friends were actually total jerks in a tense moment at home. My wife actually enlightened me as to how my best friend of 20 years had been sabotaging me behind my back because of some ego competition that I didn't even know I was a part of. Luckily I had already moved to another city for work and I just stopped putting any effort into continuing the relationship.

    Edit: I forgot to mention that at one point he was actually trying to hit on her. He wasn't even into her he just didn't want me to "win". On the flip side I didn't know there was a competition to win and was just interested in my wife cause she's awesome. We've been happily married 8 years during which time I've talked to my "friend" less and less to the point where we are pretty much no contact now.

    Proud-Possession9161 , drobotdean Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His wife took a huge risk to their relationship to enlighten him. It's really not easy for a someone to practically end a terrible friendship between their spouse and friend. If she felt it was this dire to bring it up, it must have been sitting on her conscience for a while and she was itching to speak up because that's what a good spouse does.

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    #24

    Group of friends clinking glasses at a bar, highlighting moments people finally noticed their friends were jerks. When I stopped drinking and realised that I didn't like them 😳.

    anon , Fred Moon Report

    Robert Beveridge
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've learned recently (well, nearly four years ago now) that getting rid of alcohol, especially if you're fond of overindulging, brings a great deal of necessary clarity.

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    #25

    Four young adults having a serious conversation while sitting on the floor, reflecting on friends who are total jerks. When I saw them talking trash about other people behind their backs. If they did it to random people, they'll do it to me too. And sure enough, they did.

    silver-hrt , pressfoto Report

    Amanduh
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep!! Had the same realization. It sucks majorly when they are your significant other 😬😬

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    #26

    Driver gripping steering wheel on open highway at sunset, symbolizing people who noticed their friends were jerks. Mine happened when I moved 7 hours away, and not one of the people I hung out with, daily, ever came here to see me. It's been 18 years. I ALWAYS made the effort, and it was never returned. They would go to the big city in our state, but never tell me they were there. I always saw them going everywhere except where I was.

    KookyFaithlessness93 , fanjianhua Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One "friend" said to me upon an invite to come over "I have a kid and live across the river". That was just one community district over, in the same city. About a 10 minute dive or less. She reacted like I was asking her to drive across Canada.

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    #27

    When he started seeing a new girlfriend who, for reasons known only to herself, hated me on sight. He decided that s*x with her was more important than our 20 year friendship and stopped spending any time with me. He didn't defend me to her, didn't try to get us to get to know each other. Just 'she doesn't like you I don't know why' and that was that.

    NGL, it hurt. We'd been on holidays abroad together and everything. 20 years gone in a shrug.
    They've broken up recently after five years in a rocky, fraught relationship. I'm trying not to be pleased. I'm sad that he is now sad, but he broke my heart.

    Alpaca_Tasty_Picnic Report

    Ginger ninja
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What gender is OP cuz if they’re female then I’m not surprised (but I am disappointed and angry) that the gf didnt like them and drove them apart. It happens with all male friendships too but its not quite the same (unless male friend is gay)

    #28

    Young woman sitting at desk with laptop, looking thoughtful and concerned while reflecting on friendships and trust issues. I moved out of the country for a year for a job and none of them reached out to me. And none of them seemed to care when I came back.

    anon , jet-po Report

    x6rkq946s6
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A good friend would at least check in to see how they are settling in or something.

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    #29

    Young woman looking frustrated while talking on phone, reflecting on friends who were actually total jerks. When I separated from my husband and needed girl friend support more than ever but they all pulled away instead. After nearly 25 years of friendship.

    Tiny-Passion383 , Drazen Zigic Report

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trauma of any kind (illness, death, divorce) really shows you who actually cares.

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    #30

    Two women sitting on a couch having a serious conversation about friends who finally noticed their friends were total jerks. Just paying attention to the relationship they have with others and how I’m treated it all makes sense now.

    FooSpanky , Nini FromParis Report

    #31

    When times are hard...they are nowhere.

    Big_Scratch8793 Report

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    #32

    I went to have dinner with my friend after not talking for a couple months due to being busy with work. I asked if anything new happened since I last talked to her. Her eyes lit up and asked if I had heard about happened to a mutual friend. She proceeded to tell me in great detail about how our mutual friend went through a horrible breakup and how devastated our friend was feeling with a smile on her face. It was chilling to sit there and watch my friend's demeanor change from nonchalance to glee while recounting someone else's misery. I no longer speak to this friend.

    pink_cafe Report

    SpiderWoman13
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an eye-opener. It's like discovering a partially eaten corpse in your "friend's" basement freezer -- you get the HELL outta there...! Tout suite.

    #33

    When they went travelling without me. I think late teens/ early 20s can be a horrific awakening for many. You see people who grew up with different lights, and their behaviour can shock you.

    But it's a pretty hard cold lesson in life. Everyone is out for themselves. And unless it's your parents or somebody madly in love with you, then don't expect people to have your back or truly care about you.

    AvoidFinasteride Report

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is sad. Not everyone is that selfish and self absorbed.

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    #34

    When I told a "friend" I was busy supporting my mother through a hard time, he harped on me and attacked me for not being available for him and what he was going through, offered no advice to my situation, never even asked about anything in my life, always spamming me with messages about his life and wanting me to respond, when he did nothing of the sort in return. I'm not interested in being talked at, and people needing constant comfort and reassurance.

    vainbuc Report

    Peta Hurley-Hill
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    100% this...After over 40 years of "friendship". After going through the worst time of my life ,message after message about how I wasn't there for her.

    #35

    When you start doing well for yourself, you see who is actually happy and proud of gou. But you also see some who clearly is not happy that you are where you are. It’s a crazy thing.

    barsonbity Report

    SpiderWoman13
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The important part is be doing well. Next keep doing well.

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    #36

    When my disability onset. I couldn't do most of the things I used to. Lots of friends didn't stick around.

    auggie235 Report

    Robert Beveridge
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, this is relatively normal, at least in my experience. Aside from the ex I coparent with and her extended family (who are from Before Disability(TM)), pretty much my entire local circle is disabled--my partner, our roommate, nearly every person we hang out with with any frequency, etc. When few others are willing to support you, the people who are there will. Just gotta find your tribe.

    #37

    I decided to mute our discord group and stopped texting the rest of my friends (ones that I've known for 1-2 decades) just to see what would happen, because I was the only one reaching out. 


     I have yet to get a single dm or an @. It's been at least two years. Some people just don't care.

    Miserable_Leader_502 Report

    Zaach
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I stopped reaching out to people who I have known and been friends with since the '70s - *crickets* The last time I saw them for dinner one couple said "hey, we miss you" but do not call. Some other friends have a rule that they will never call someone to get together - another friendship fail. I do not like talking on the phone. The original group turned out to be poly and I was the one not one. They are mostly straight - this is important b/c I am straight but my current friends are LGBTQ. Combined with being an introvert I spend a lot of time alone

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    #38

    When they left me and never called or texted me. It's been several years.

    They just wanted me for what I could do for them. I was convenient and useful.

    Arios_CX3 Report

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to college, got married. Gone about 5 years. Everything was just different. People move on to different spaces in life. I still see a few and we wave and say hi but it's funny how tight of a group we used to be. Life just happened that's all.

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    #39

    When I realised they'd contact me only when they needed something.

    Mimihapa Report

    Anne Roberts
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a very high maintenance "friend" for many years. She only invited me to her house if she had something to show off like a bathroom or kitchen renovation, new porch or whatever. If she didn't like someone I wasn't supposed to like them either. She talked about co-workers very badly. Since people knew we were "friends" they thought I must be like her. I stopped responding to her and never looked back. Much less stressful.

    #40

    Young woman looking stressed while talking on the phone, reflecting on realizing friends are total jerks. When they threw a hissy fit I was in a happy and healthy relationship and wouldn't let them take a crack and lost a few more when my husband decided to stay with me and our child when I gave birth instead of going out with them the same night. Actually got a message asking me why I was so controlling, first time I heard about the night out thing.

    Suluco87 , freepik Report

    Perigrine
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Since these 'friends' wanted to go out with the husband for drinks and thought she was controlling, I would say they were men. Therefore, take a crack at seducing her, maybe? Either way, not sure the word 'friends' applies.

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    #41

    When I left the church. All of the sudden I was one of the “others”, worldly, and a bad, bad influence to be avoided. It was tough because some of those women had been my friends since childhood.
    Edit: a word.

    Academic_Feed7512 Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP didn't leave friendships behind. She left a cult behind.

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    #42

    Seeing the difference in the energy they had speaking to other friends and realizing I knew things about their past, family and pets, goals, and struggles while they didn't even know my last name (that is to say I had a curiosity about them that wasn't reciprocated).

    ThunderingTacos Report

    #43

    Young man with blue backpack and checkered shirt facing a large building, reflecting feelings about friends who were total jerks. I was 22, i was at the university in another city and my father got a really bad diagnosis. I sudenly stop going out every weekend because i start going back home to help with my father. No one of my "friends" care or even asked. When i asked them to have a coffe or lunch together they were unables of doing the effort.

    Luckly i was still in contact with my school and higschool friends that really helped me these moments.

    Marfernandezgz , freepik Report

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    #44

    I had a lot of people who I thought were "friends" in college. Almost every one of them I was friends with because we went to the same church and did campus ministry stuff together, when I eventually started questioning things and left they all fell off the face of Earth. Seemed like even being around me while I was questioning was uncomfortable for them, and when I left basically got ghosted by all of my college friends (besides a couple not from that church group).

    cherry_sprinkles Report

    Anne Roberts
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People can be very territorial about religion. I had a co-worker who was very involved in her church. I've never been a religious person but when I said that I thought leading a good life and trying to be a good person was enough, she laughed in my face.

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    #45

    When I was not invited to their wedding(s).

    Upbeat_Sign630 Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was not invited to a close friend's wedding but my ex-girlfriend (whom the couple met through me) was. They acted like nothing had changed. They soon found out differently.

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    #46

    We were close friends since junior high, but over the years it became more and more apparent how little he appreciated others or returned favors. We lived together for a while and I did most of the cooking. When I cleaned I would also take care of his messes, but when he cleaned he would leave mine since it "wasn't his mess". I always drove everywhere with no offers to help with gas or anything.

    I also knew that all his ex girlfriends, who were also friends of mine, tended to be less than pleased with his attitude or his person. He was sleazy, including hitting on coworkers and being very unprofessional.

    It came to a head last summer when he was generally being a d**k at the camp where we both worked, and id had enough. I decided ten years of friendship did not outweigh who he was as a person and cut it off.

    Since then the coworker he dated from camp moved from her home state to live with him, wherein he promptly isolated her from any friends (myself included) and treated her like s**t.

    He's just a downright bad person.

    Also he still owes me $1300 which I never expect to see.

    DeathEscadrille Report

    Ginger ninja
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cooking and cleaning fir him when he was unwilling to do the same for you was your first mistake

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    #47

    When I gave to them in their time of need and they didn’t give back and left me on my own when i needed them the most.

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    Lyoness
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Been there. Ex BFF leaned on me during illness, job issues, family issues, infidelity (hers) you name it, but when I had my own struggles and tried to talk about it I was told I was "too negative". She also said that if I wasn't going to take her advice (that I hadn't asked for) she didn't see the point in listening to my problems. We aren't friends anymore.

    #48

    When after I spent an entire day and a good amount of money making something for them that ended up getting destroyed by strong winds (that’s the abridged version) they yelled at me and called me incompetent.

    And that was after certain people had arleady bullied me through text and verbally.

    So I told them if they were that ungrateful I’m gonna leave, and that’s what I did.

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    #49

    I was cleaning my room in high school and found a piece of paper with a poem on it I had written for a friend as a child. She had written one back about how they didn't actually like me or want to be my friend and how annoying I was. I don't know how it didn't register when I received it but I never spoke to her again after that.

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    #50

    Two soccer players competing for the ball on the field, illustrating teamwork and friendship challenges among people. When I was 26. Everyone is selfish and only really care about themselves. If you don't have something to offer in the friendship, they won't stay your friends.

    For example, I have soccer friends. I hang out with them once a week, we talk for a bit after the game.

    My soccer buddy i knew for 10 years. Just realized last year he had a sister. I had no idea.

    isaactheunknown , Getty Images Report

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a little confused. How does them not knowing their friend has a sister relate to anyone not having something to offer? Isn't it on them to ask about their friend's life?

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    #51

    When I realized I felt more at peace just by not talking to them. That really speaks volumes about the energy they give off.

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    #52

    Doctor thought I had breast cancer. "Friend" told me absolutely she would go to the specalist with me. I am a single mom and didnt have anyone to go with me.
    The morning of I was sitting on my balcony having a cup of tea-she lived right across the road so I could see her outside on her balcony. I waved and she pretended she didnt see me. Texted multiple times cause I saw her on her cell phone outside. She completely ignored me and continued for a couple weeks after. When she finally replied as to why she didnt go with me, she just said "no reason she just didnt feel like it"
    I havrnt spoekn to her since. We were best of friends for over 10 years and Ive been there for her and her family through really really bad times. She couldnt even bother to come with me to the hospital less then 10 minutes away.
    I don't need people like that in my life. Its been 4 or 5 years since I spoke to her.

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    #53

    We were all potheads, and didn’t drink that much and about a year later all of us had to quit smoking for stable jobs because we just got out of high school and now my used to be best friend drinks and drives nearly every night. Sad days.

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    #54

    Young woman sitting in living room looking stressed, reflecting on friends who turned out to be total jerks. It's even tougher that your biological parents are not really backing you up, and even worse, they bully you, one of them is an NPD.

    Familiar_Owl1168 , dusanpetkovic Report

    #55

    Young woman in a red hat looking upset while checking her phone, illustrating friends acting like total jerks. Same as you, i stopped reaching out and coming up with plans first. and learned how many dead flowers i had been watering. plus many of them started having kids (i mean ended up pregnant and single mothers mostly, not starting families in which case i could be happier for them). and basically the last time they cared to see me was to make sure i brought a gift to the baby shower. everything else has to be on their time and also include their ball and chain and i’m not about that life at all.

    23capri , benzoix Report

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    #56

    Person wearing a black hoodie looking at a scenic autumn landscape, reflecting on friends who were actually jerks. When I realized they had no trouble making time for other people, but I basically had to beg for a message back.

    Coffan88 , wirestock Report

    #57

    I’m sure this will be common place, but in middle school, the girls who I thought were my friends were just using me for laughing material. I was awkward and in my “ugly phase” when I didn’t carry a name brand purse, or ate something different from them at lunch, they used to laugh at me. Then one day they slid me a note they had all signed that said “we hate you. Youre ugly. Don’t come near us or sit with us at lunch anymore. :) “
    That’s when I realized they weren’t my friends. Sat at lunch at a table by myself all that year. It sucked, but it got me into therapy at an early age, which I’m thankful for.

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    #58

    When i stopped doing stuff for them (bc they only wrote when they needed/wanted something for me) and now it‘s pretty silent and tbh i don‘t care anymore.
    i am a 25f and i don‘t habe any friends, at least they don‘t use me anymore.

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    Perigrine
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am 60m and through the course of my live I have collected approximately seven or eight solid friends. The rest are acquaintances. It's OK to hang out with acquaintances, but don't take them too seriously and they won't disappoint you. Meanwhile, collect your friends one at a time and with care.

    #59

    When I realized they were talking behind my back, taking bets on my love life and gossiping with other friends I had made in an effort (that successfully) ruined that friendship as well.

    I handled it by cutting everyone off and not talking to them anymore. Was it lonely? Yeah, yeah it was. But better to keep information close to the heart instead of being stabbed in the back over and over again.

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    #60

    When I realize they had "Unfriended" me
    That hurt the most discovering that.

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    #61

    I was 13, we'd been bestfriends for almost two years. She'd always said subtle things to knock me down a bit, like 'maybe you shouldn't wear fitted clothes' or would playfully comment on my rounded cheeks, but I always assumed I was just being too sensitive. I tended to let a lot of what she said slip because I looked up to her- she was confident and a go-getter while I was shy and dealing with a lot of anxiety.

    The kicker was when we were window shopping around our local shopping centre and there was a picture of this really beautiful model modelling lingerie. She said 'I used to want to be a supermodel when I was younger'. I said 'yeah, same'. I mean, who hasn't dreamt of being a famous actor/ singer/ model as a kid? She really could have just moved on with the conversation but instead she chose to say 'yeah but you wouldn't actually have a chance, I always thought I'd be quite good at it.' It was so blatantly cruel that, even though it took me another few months to officially cut off the friendship, from that moment on I never trusted her and it just completely opened my eyes to how incredibly mean she was.

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    #62

    15 years of friendship. She spent those 15 years comparing herself to me, making me feel bad about myself, always made me apologize for everything. I guess I grew up and noticed everything that was wrong with that friendship.

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    #63

    When they bullied someone who is outside our group. I distanced myself from them after that. No Regrets :).

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    #64

    Using me for my car.

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    #65

    My childhood best friend is kind of a piece of s**t and I didn't realize it until she moved away. She's fun and pretty and charming and so she gets away with a lot, but she hurts everyone who cares about her with little to no regard for the effect she has on other people's lives as long as she is getting what she wants out of any given situation. She has cheated on every boyfriend she has ever had, used me as her therapist/mom friend and has f****d 2 of my boyfriends, places no importance on being supportive or kind to friends and loved ones in need, and will cut people out of her life as soon as they stop being useful. I'm pretty sure she is a narcissist.

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    #66

    Back in 2020 when my (ex)girlfriend started to use me during quarantine (she would constantly spam me and put me into group chats without my permission [and she knows I'm a shy person]) and then eventually my other friend would refuse to wear their masks around me and would actually bully me about the fact I was not comfortable when they didn't have it on. One of them even tried to fist fight me about it because they were trying to impress my FINALLY ex-girlfriend because he had a crush on her. And I never saw them again. Fast forward to current year, I declared myself as gay, now have a loving boyfriend, and also realized that I wouldn't had been as happy as I was now if I didn't let them go... they were holding me back, and I finally broke free from them and went forward.

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    #67

    Using me and my other friend for a place to live, food, and weed free of charge. He moved his useless a*s girlfriend in with us and made my friend and I pay to support them. In retrospect, we probably should have just let them starve and figure s**t out on their own.
    After three years (two of them with just him, a year with his girlfriend also - yeah, our bad), we told him to get a job or move out. We gave him three months to do so.

    In three months, he went to one job interview... because I arranged it, lent him decent clothes to wear to it, then drove him there, and sat in the parking lot to make sure he actually went. He bombed the interview and basically said on the way back, "this is why I won't ever work. No one wants me. You can just pay for me, right?" I replied with, "you won't work by choice. You have no marketable skills because you've spent your whole adult life railing pain pills, smoking weed, and playing video games. No, we will not continue to pay for you. Start packing your s**t and hope your mom will let you move back in."

    That was 12 years ago and I haven't heard from him since. He was fun to hang out with when he wasn't being a useless shite... but I shouldn't have to pay to be friends with anyone, especially ungrateful s***s.

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    #68

    When they planned a trip together and didn’t invite me and i was the only one who didn’t get asked to be a bridesmaid in any of the weddings because “I’m always busy working” so everyone assumed i wouldn’t be able to do these things.

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    #69

    When I became broke.

    anon Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "To be broke is not a disgrace. It is merely a calamity." - Nero Wolfe

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    #70

    When I was going through 3 years of some of the toughest times in my life, and he said I didn’t have enough time for to be friends with.

    This was a 25 year friendship he tossed because I didn’t hang out enough, or talk on the phone enough, or give him enough attention.

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    #71

    Oh boy, inc list

    1) we'd do joint shopping, he'd eat 90% of it. I s**t you not, I'd catch him at 6am cooking himself two rump steaks.

    2) Asked me to run back to our house to turn the oven off, in the mean time he "stole" a job from me - can go into a long a**e story or just take my word for it.

    3) I'd do joint meals and leave one on the side for when he got home from his first job. Usually around 2am. Some nights Im not hungry so would wrap mine up and put it in the fridge. He'd eat both portions despite knowing one was mine.

    4) If I wasn't in, he'd s**t with the door open. The bathroom connects directly onto our living space and he suffers with severe crohns disease. The smell was horrendous.

    5) his partner dumped him and he declared he could no longer stand to be in sleeping in his room. Instead of accepting a trade with me to swap rooms, he made the sofa his new bed. We had complaints from the landlord the property was stinking of BO

    6) going back to the bathroom issue, he wouldn't check if it flushed properly and 9/10 had used half a toilet roll. The mess was unreal

    7) for some reason beyond me, he was trying to break up my partner and myself. He called himself our "own relationship adviser". Anything I told him, he'd run back to her and tell her, but completely twisting it. The same vis versa. One time we nearly split up thinking the other had said something completely different. Thankfully we caught on pretty quick to this game

    8) organised a trip to his home country with me to do winter sports activities etc. Then randomly turned around one day and said him and X was going instead of me and him. Despite me having brought some of the stuff we needed.

    9) Constantly told me "You shouldn't worry about doing a masters, you're not academic material". Done my masters, starting my PhD with my own research ideas soon. Had offers from Multiple professors across the UK. This one infuriated me at the time.

    10) The flatulence was insane. He'd just c**k his leg in the lounge and let rip. While the partner and me were in the room, among others.

    11) Threw a strop with me over a puppy. We were talking about dog fostering. We were knocked back due to lack of garden and honestly his lifestyle and how he acted; it was a good thing. My partner and me then bought a puppy together as we thought it was the right time in our relationship. He threw one massive hissy fit because thats what him and me were supposed to do.

    Thats just a couple off the top of my head.

    Goetre Report

    Jon Merritt
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can not run far away fast or far enough from that kind of toxic!

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    #72

    He preffered his popularity than his friends. We were friends for 5 years and now we don't talk anymore.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Popularity with whom if not his friends?

    #73

    When the guy I called my brother, went behind my back, lied to my long term girlfriend telling her I was cheating, watching her dump me, then taking her on the rebound 2 days after. Eventually turning into a physically and emotionally a*****e j****e.

    anon1354216 Report

    Robert Beveridge
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know the first word is abűsive, but the second ones got me at a loss. Jůnkie?

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    #74

    When they distanced themselves during a particularly difficult time.

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    #75

    When I watched how they were with their other friends. You can learn a lot about people just from that.

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    #76

    When he (one of them in particular) took advantage of my anxiety, and threatened me with various consequences if I didn’t do various things that he wanted. He almost made me k**l myself countless times and put me through emotional trauma everyday for the time we were “friends”. Sometimes he followed through with the things he knew would make me anxious. He got kicked out of school in the end and nowadays I can look back and laugh at how pathetic he was so that’s good, although it took a while after he encouraged his friends to annoy me after I stopped talking to him.

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    #77

    They were huddling together while one shared s**y pictures a girl was sending him

    Pieces of s**t violating her trust and privacy for their own ego.

    anon Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And if he'd violate her trust, he'd violate yours.

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    #78

    A variety of things. Some that refused to talk to me once I moved, but were all chummywith my ex that most had told me they didn't like. Had one that eventually showed himself to be an a****t and possible psychopath. That took a restraining order to finally remedy. One that still kind of stings is someone who was addicted to being embroiled in drama and being a victim. It was telling when he'd turn to me for advice, then get angry if I didn't just tell him what he wanted to hear. Obviously he rarely if ever actually took my advice. And God help you if you tried to point out bad behavior on his end.

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    #79

    When he decided he didn’t want something in the shop and just put it on a random shelf.

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    #80

    My controversial (probably) opinion is that every friend turns out to be "not as good a person as you thought." I think people break off friendships too easily. My best friend often doesn't follow through with plans, comes late and is unreliable. Other friends are stingy or say rude things without thinking about the consequences.


    You know what I do? I think "that's people." People are all massive disappointments when you get to know them. We've all got flaws. I'm not gonna break off a friendship over something f*****g stupid like 10 dollars "on principle", or because they are late.


    What I do is just call out my friends when they're being s****y. I don't like lying, and I'll just say "you are being dishonest/bullshitting me, why?" and usually you get a proper answer and move on.


    People just suck. Myself too. I cancel on friends cause of my anxiety. I drink too much and crash on their couch. Thank f**k that some people understand we all have flaws and don't just dump each other.



    Edit: some advice


    - Don't ever trust a person on their word. It's laughably easy to convince yourself that you're good and those who go around saying they're good friends usually aren't.


    - Don't even trust actions; those are fleeting. Anyone can change at any moment.


    - Don't expect s**t and don't rely on anyone. Connections can be made and broken. Yes we're all connected on some level but individual connections are usually temporary.


    - Everyone is an actor. Nobody is 'real' with you. They probably can't even be real with themselves.

    BattleoftheBoomers Report

    Esmeralda Villalobos
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find your advice very pessimistic. Yes, we're all flawed and hide things from the world. In my experience, true friends will admit this, though they might not reveal what they are hiding, and that is ok!

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