Sis, Your Friend(s) Might Be Fake

Fake friends don’t always show up with drama or disrespect. Sometimes they’re the ones with the biggest smiles and the prettiest compliments. But behind that smile is jealousy. Behind that “I’m just being real” is a dig. And behind that “I’ve got your back” is a knife waiting to be used when it’s convenient.

Here are the signs you need to stop ignoring:

They Only Call When They Need Something

They’re MIA when you’re going through it, but pop up fast when they need a ride, a favor, a vent session, or a cash app request. Suddenly, you’re their bestie again. But when it’s your turn to need something, they’re too busy or they hit you with guilt.

That’s not friendship. That’s someone using you for what you provide, not loving you for who you are.

They Throw Shade and Call It Honesty

Fake friends love to mask their hate as honesty. They might “joke” about how you dress, question your goals, or downplay your dreams. And when you call them out, they say they’re just being real. No, they’re being messy. Real friendship doesn’t come with jabs, sarcasm, or underhanded digs. If every comment feels like a slap wrapped in silk, it’s not love. It’s envy in disguise.

They Don’t Celebrate You

You got the new job. You launched the brand. You healed from that toxic relationship. And instead of celebrating you, they give you dry applause or change the subject back to themselves. A real friend is proud of you even when they’re going through their own stuff. A fake one gets quiet because your growth reminds them of where they’re stuck.

They Talk About Everyone Else

You notice how they talk about everybody behind their back. Every phone call turns into a roast session. Every group chat is full of gossip. And they keep telling other people’s business while maintaining some kind of relationship with them. Here’s the thing: if they are comfortable dragging others in front of you, best believe they’re dragging you in front of someone else.

They Gaslight You When You Set Boundaries

When you try to talk to them about something that hurt you, they flip the script. Suddenly, you’re the one being dramatic. You’re too sensitive. You’re making something out of nothing. Or worse, they turn the entire issue back on you to avoid accountability. Real friends listen, reflect, and grow. Fake ones dodge, deflect, and blame.

You Feel Tired Every Time You Talk to Them

Friendship should feel like home, not a chore. You shouldn’t have to prep yourself mentally just to answer the phone. If you leave every conversation feeling drained, anxious, or small, it’s not a vibe — it’s a red flag. Your body knows when something’s not right. That heaviness you feel around them isn’t in your head. It’s in your spirit.

They Don’t Respect Your Growth

You start healing, setting boundaries, speaking up for yourself, and suddenly, you’re the villain. They say you’ve changed. They say you’re different now. And they’re not wrong. You have changed. You’re growing, and they don’t like that they can’t control you anymore. A real friend evolves with you. A fake one punishes you for becoming your best self.

Why You Might Still Be Holding On

Letting go is hard. Maybe you’ve known them for years. Maybe they were there for you during some of your darkest times. Maybe they know things about you that no one else does. But just because someone was there during your struggle doesn’t mean they deserve to be there during your glow-up. Loyalty should not cost you your peace. Love should not come with conditions. And friendship should not hurt more than it heals.

What You Can Do About It

You don’t always have to make a dramatic exit; sometimes, a talk to gain some form of understanding will fix the issue. However, if it doesn’t, listen to your intuition.

You don’t owe anyone continued access to your spirit. You don’t have to explain your peace. You don’t have to stay in places that no longer feel like home.

Friendship should be soft, safe, supportive, and sacred; anything less is not worth keeping.

If your circle doesn’t feel like love, it’s okay to create a new one. If you’re always pouring and never being poured into, it’s time to walk away.

You deserve friends who root for you, hold you, and grow with you. The kind who speak your name with love even when you’re not in the room. The kind who show up when it’s inconvenient. The kind who never make you question whether or not you are loved.

And if you’re looking for a space full of women like that — real ones, grown ones, healing ones — you’re in the right place. Come sit with us. We talk about the things no one else wants to say, but we all need to hear.