8 Signs of A Fake Friend

Even if you don’t see it, there are instances of bullying and cyberbullying all around you. These ‘friends’ are liars who prey on the trust of others. They’re also prone to becoming one-dimensional and a member of a small group or groupies. Kids need to be aware of the difference between real and phony friends in order to avoid being duped. In this article, learn the 8 signs on how to tell a fake friend.

Having a friendship with a phony friend can lead to bullying, as well as being linked with a fake friend. Fake friendships are easy to see, so make sure your kids are educated on how to spot them. Here are eight traits to discuss with your children. It’s time to start making new pals if theirs have these characteristics.

A Fake Friend Is Self-Serving.

In most cases, a phony friend will only contact your child if they have a specific need or need. The reason they don’t text or call is because of something else entirely. In the event that a friend does not call or text to see how things are doing, that individual is not truly a friend at all.

That person is most certainly exploiting your child in some manner. Alternatively, it’s likely that people like this don’t even consider reaching out to one another.

Gossip and Drama Fuel the Growth of Fake Friendships

Your children should be taught to be wary of those who prefer talking about other people behind their backs, as well as those who enjoy talking about themselves. There are major consequences to gossip and spreading rumors, which are at the root of relational violence and other forms of bullying.

Explain that persons who thrive off of rumors and controversy should be avoided. They should also refrain from disclosing any information about themselves or their families. In the event they do so, they incur the risk of their information being leaked to others.

Fake Friends Necessitate Faking It.

The best friendships allow youngsters to be who they are. If your kids feel that they have to put on a front or pretend to be someone they aren’t, they’ve got a phony buddy in their midst. In other words, if your child has to alter their language or appearance in order to fit in with these pals, they are not truly your child’s friends.

This collection of people is more likely to be a clique than a group of buddies. You should keep in mind that phony friends are frequently guilty of engaging in relational aggression, such as bullying, ostracizing, and other forms of peer pressure. It’s critical that you express to your children how much you value and appreciate them for who they are.

Fake Friends Pretend to Be Real

Fake friends often lie about their accomplishments, grades, clothing, and assets in order to appear more attractive to their peers. A falsehood about themselves will lead to another one about your child.

Have a talk with your kid about the dangers of becoming friends with someone who lies all the time. Having confidence in a buddy is vital for a strong relationship.

Fake Friends Always Criticize

A closer look at the relationships between your children and their friends may be necessary if they are continually being criticized by their peers. False friends often criticize or push others down, whereas real friends always encourage and support one another. When it comes to their weight, girls are more prone to self-judgment.

They mock those who are skinny or shame those who are overweight. This form of bullying can lead to eating disorders and even self-harm is extremely hazardous. Instead, encourage your youngster to locate friends who are supportive.

Fake Friends are Envious

If the friends of your children always have something derogatory to say whenever they achieve, then those friends aren’t your children’s genuine pals. A true friend rejoices in the success of his or her pals. If jealousy is not dealt with in a healthy manner, it can develop to bullying.

This is not a healthy friendship for your child if his or her peers are jealous and cruel to him or her when he or she achieves achievement.

Help your children make new friends who will join them in their celebrations.

Fake Friends Are Not Trustworthy

In most cases, friends will keep each other’s secrets from one another. To put it another way, true friends don’t make it public which of your child’s crushes they have. Identifying a bully in your child’s circle of friends can be difficult if your child’s buddies are always spilling the beans. Educate your children on the importance of trust in a healthy friendship. They aren’t buddies if they can’t trust each other.

Fake Friends Put Others Out to Save Themselves

 

When one of your pals is being bullied, you can count on them to stand up for each other. False friends may either be silent bystanders or active participants in the bullying that they witness. If you realize that your children’s friends are betraying them to save themselves, tell them to stop or find new friends.

Generally speaking, friendships formed with people who aren’t real don’t last long. The lack of self-assurance among fake pals makes it difficult for them to be sincere and genuine. They are unable to be a loyal friend because of their selfishness, envy, and insecurity. Help your youngster come to terms with this and move on.

Helpful related articles: Teaching Your Kids Self-Responsibility, Help Your Teens Navigate Their Friends’ Drama, Students Who Are Gifted Are More Likely To Be Bullied