The Psychology of Toxic Friendships: Why Some Friends Secretly Keep You Small
Friendship is one of the deepest human needs. We crave connection, belonging, and people who will walk beside us through every season of life. But not every friendship is what it seems. Sometimes, the bond we think is supportive is actually built on comparison, competition, and subtle power plays.
Psychologists call this relational aggression. In everyday life, it often looks like a friend who can’t stand to see you shine.