Spotting one-sided friendships before they drain your vibe
Friendship is not always about sunshine, shared memes, and matching tattoos. Sometimes, itās you doing all the chasing while they ghost you like youāre yesterdayās group chat. If you’re starting to wonder whether your so-called bestie is actually vibing with the title, here’s your sign to investigate.
So, how can you tell if someone just doesnāt want to be your BFF? Weāve got the tea.

1. Youāre always the first to text
If your message history appears to be a solo monologue, it’s time to step back. Youāre pinging good morning memes, weekend plans, and life updatesāand theyāre replying three days later with āk.ā Ouch.
Translation? You might be talking to the friendship version of a voicemail box.
2. Their energy is⦠meh
Youāre excited. Theyāre lukewarm. You exclaim, “Guess what?!” and receive a response of “lol” or, worse, “meh.”
Letās be realātrue friends match your energy (or at least try). If they constantly hit you with bland replies, itās like showing up to a party and finding out itās just someone doing laundry.
3. They act like youāre a chore
Hanging out shouldnāt feel like youāre scheduling a tax appointment. If every plan you make is dodged like a dodgeball, or if they turn up with the enthusiasm of soggy toast, theyāre not prioritising you.
Hot tip: Real friends want to spend time with youānot avoid it like it’s jury duty.

4. Youāre the CEO of the Friendship
Making plans? You.
Are you checking in?
Remembering birthdays? Also you.
Meanwhile, theyāre just…existing. If you feel like youāre running a one-person friendship company, itās time to check the balance sheet. Because that energy? Itās costing you.
5. Their social media = your emotional rollercoaster
You hype up their every selfie and story with likes, comments, and fire emojis. But when do you post? Crickets.
š» āSeen.ā
š» No like.
š» No comment.
Now, not everyoneās into social mediaābut if theyāre busy liking everyone but you, thatās a silent signal with loud vibes.
6. They talkābut only about themselves
A conversation should be a two-way street, not a never-ending TED Talk about their drama, their holidays, and their catās birthday.
If you leave every catch-up knowing everything about them and nothing about how youāre doingāHouston, we have a problem.
Friendship maths: 90% them + 10% awkward silence = 0% real connection.
7. The shade is subtle but strong
Do their jokes feel a little too sharp? Do they compliment you⦠but only backhandedly? (āYouāre brave for wearing that!ā = major side-eye)
Friends tease, sure. But if it always feels like the punchline is you, theyāre not being playfulātheyāre being passive-aggressive.
How to deal with a one-sided friendship
Realising someone isnāt your ride-or-die is toughālike ordering your fave milkshake and getting soy kale foam. Disappointing. But freeing.

Hereās what you do:
- Stop chasing.
- Set boundaries.
- Focus on the ones who do show up.
Because of your time, your love, and your energy? Itās precious. And the right people will value it.
Final thoughts: Ditch the drama, keep the diamonds
Friendship should be like a great playlistāuplifting, fun, and with zero skips. If someone isnāt matching your energy, thatās okay. Not every connection is meant to be forever.
So protect your peace. Choose your people. And always remember: real BFFs donāt just laugh with youāthey show up, they check in, and they never make you question your worth.
Be the friend you wish you had, and the right ones will stick like glitter.