Good, Bad, Indifferent

Mind your circle because sometimes the real red flags are in your group chat.

We all want that ride-or-die crew. The kind of friends who hype you up, check in on you, and hold it down whether you're up or down. But what happens when your inner circle becomes more draining than supportive? When the vibes are off, and your spirit feels lighter when you walk away from them?

Here are some signs you might be rolling with the wrong group:

You Don’t Feel Safe Being Yourself

You shouldn't have to code-switch or put on a mask just to fit in. If you find yourself silencing your opinions, shrinking your personality, or walking on eggshells around them, that's not friendship—that's performance. Real friends see you and accept you, flaws and all.

They’re Only Around When It’s Convenient

Ever notice how they only hit you up when they need a favor, a ride, or someone to listen to their drama—but ghost when you’re going through it? Friends who disappear when you’re in a tough spot aren’t friends. That’s a one-way street, and you deserve reciprocity.

They’re Always Hating or Competing

Support is silent and loud, but envy usually whispers behind your back. If they can’t clap for you when you win, always make slick comments, or try to outdo you every chance they get, that’s not love—rivalry in disguise.

The Group Energy is Toxic

If your hangouts always end in gossip, drama, shady jokes, or tearing someone down, it’s probably time to ask,  What are we building together?  Friends should push each other toward growth, not feed off negativity.

You Leave Them Feeling Drained

Pay attention to how you feel after you hang out. Uplifted? Inspired? Cool. But if you consistently feel anxious, small, insecure, or just mentally tired—your body is trying to tell you something. And it’s usually right.

They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries

True friends honor your “no.” Whether it’s your time, your values, or your healing process—if they keep crossing lines and acting like you’re “doing too much” or “changing up,” they’re showing you they only value the version of you that benefits them.

You're Growing—and They're Not

Sometimes, it's not even beef. It's just different directions. You’re leveling up, healing, and changing your habits; they’re still stuck in the same cycles. Growth can be lonely, but outgrowing people is part of the process.

Not every friend is forever. Some were only meant for a season, a lesson, or a version of you that no longer exists. Don’t feel guilty for protecting your peace. The right people won’t make you question your worth, dreams, or energy.

You owe it to yourself to surround yourself with people who feel light, not heavy.