Connection Over Clout

How to Tell If You're the Problem in Your Friend Group

🚨 Harsh Truth Incoming: You Might Be the Problem Welcome back to the hot seat. Yeah, you. Let’s talk about the real reason your friendships suck: You keep inviting that guy who only shows up when there’s free food. You keep texting people who ghost you every time they get a new love interest. Cut them loose. That’s okay. But now let’s flip the mirror— 👀 You might be a crappy friend too. You’re not listening. You’re just waiting to talk. You’re the friend who turns every convo into a competition of who’s suffering more. 💡 There’s a 2019 study from the American Psychological Association that showed active listening — actually hearing someone instead of planning your next TikTok — boosts trust and connection. Not rocket science, right? But here you are, texting during your friend’s breakup story like you’re the main character in their pain. Friendship is a two-way street — and you’re driving drunk. Now, let’s get into the second part: What actually makes a friendship worth keeping? We’re diving into the psychology of real friendship next — not just “vibes” and inside jokes, but the actual framework that science says makes bonds last. So if you’re tired of feeling lonely in a crowded room or wondering why your “besties” don’t feel like besties — buckle up. We’re about to get real.