Q&A for How to Know if Your Friend Is Really a Friend

If your friend isn't supportive during difficult times, they may not be a true friend. Consider seeking out new friends who are more supportive, and communicate your concerns to this friend by expressing that the friendship isn't working for you. Alternatively, gradually distance yourself to see if they notice and respond.

Identify specific behaviors that might be off-putting to others. While you shouldn't change yourself just to please others, being open to constructive criticism can help you grow. If your behavior includes teasing or rudeness, consider addressing those areas.

Sometimes people need time to process their feelings after a conflict. If you believe they are sincere in their forgiveness and genuinely want to rebuild your friendship, it is reasonable to trust them and continue the friendship.

Talk to your friend about the issue, as they might not realize they're doing it. You could say, "I feel like you take out your anger on me, even when I haven't done anything wrong, and it hurts my feelings." If they dismiss your feelings or refuse to change, it might be best to distance yourself from them.

Making friends can be challenging, especially if others have difficulty understanding you. Try reaching out to people who are also autistic, as they may share similar experiences. Initiate conversations by offering genuine compliments or asking about their lives. Consider making a list of people you'd like to connect with and inviting them to spend time with you individually. If there's a group you're interested in, ask them how they met to start a conversation.

Be direct, respectful, and assertive by asking them to stop sharing your secrets. You might also express that you feel hurt and disrespected, and explain that their actions are causing you to reconsider the friendship.

Having a fight and dealing with rumors doesn't necessarily mean your friend is not genuine; they might just be acting out of anger. Try not to let the rumors affect you, as they could be intended to hurt you. If you want to repair the friendship, consider apologizing for your part in the conflict and express that you would appreciate an apology from them as well.

A true friend supports you during tough times and encourages personal growth. If this person dismisses your feelings, they may not be a good or close friend.

You have done your part by sincerely apologizing. Give your friend some time to process the situation, and hopefully, they will choose to forgive you. If not, consider involving a neutral third party, like a mutual friend or counselor, or focus on moving forward personally.

To test their sincerity, try distancing yourself for a while by not initiating contact. If they reach out to check on you, it could indicate that they genuinely care.

He might just not be into texting. Try calling him or using Skype to communicate.

You might be taken advantage of if you feel like your friend relies on you financially, like a credit card. If they use your social status to boost their popularity and overshadow you, it could indicate a lack of genuine friendship. Trust your intuition, as your gut feelings often provide valuable insights into relationships.

Unless your friend consistently leaves you every time, she likely just wants to spend time with her other friends. It's important to let her socialize with different people, and try not to feel too clingy or jealous.

To help your friend feel more comfortable, try sharing something personal (but not too personal) with them. Compliment them and be kind. If they still don't open up, it may be best to give them space and let it go.

Discuss with your friend how their absence makes you feel. They might have valid reasons for not attending, but if not, it could indicate that they don't value the friendship as much as you do.

It seems like your friend enjoys spending time with you. If this feels overwhelming, communicate that you value the friendship but can't commit to every Sunday due to other obligations.

Try to relax and remind yourself that friends are there to support and enjoy each other's company. Consider discussing your feelings with your friend to strengthen your relationship.

These individuals are not true friends. If you've told them they're hurting you and they continue, they don't care about you. It's best to find friends who respect and value you. Though it may take time, you'll be better off without them.

It depends. If you call them regularly and they don't reciprocate, consider whether you're comfortable with putting more effort into maintaining the relationships.

I think you should just find a new friend. Not only is she not making time for you, she's not respecting you or your feelings. If she really cared, she would not be so dismissive.

In my experience, friends may tease each other, but if their behavior bothers you, it’s important to discuss it with them directly. If talking doesn't help, consider seeking advice from a trusted adult.

If you're feeling bad about the lie, the best thing to do is apologize and tell them the truth. If they're a good friend, they will most likely understand and forgive you.

It's possible that your friend assumes you'd prefer to rest and not be disturbed. If she generally treats you well and shows that she cares, this might not be a significant issue. Consider discussing how you feel about her not reaching out; she may not realize it bothers you.

Talk to your friend about your feelings and express that it seems like they don't have time for you and that you miss their company. If they aren't receptive and nothing changes, it might be time to consider finding new friends.

Maybe, it would be best to ask her. If she says she doesn't want to get involved ask her why. Just remember that some people get very stressed out over confrontation so they try to avoid getting involved in things. She could be one of those people.

Usually you can tell these things by how someone acts around and toward you. Does she call or text you often? Does she want to hang out? Does she share her thoughts and feelings with you? These are all signs.

Try talking to your friends about how you feel. If speaking to them all at once feels daunting, approach one or two individually to express your feelings. You can also invite them to a casual gathering to reconnect. If they are unresponsive or things don't improve, consider seeking new friendships.

Your friend might not be treating you as a true friend but rather using you. Consider distancing yourself to observe her reaction. Her behavior could indicate manipulation, so decide if you want such a person in your life.

They may view you more as an acquaintance than a close friend. Consider discussing your feelings with them, or approach future interactions with the understanding that they may prioritize others. You could also decide to end the friendship if it continues to bother you.

Some people change their behavior in different social situations to impress others or fit in. If this bothers you, discuss it with your friend privately, expressing how it affects you. If nothing changes, consider avoiding situations where you're all together.