Toxic Friends & Toxicity

If you’ve ever been in a friendship that just wasn’t good for you, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say it’s like an emotional rollercoaster. One minute everything is amazing—you're laughing, sharing your secrets, and having all those inside jokes. The next minute, you're questioning everything, wondering if you can trust them, feeling totally drained... and yet, you still can’t bring yourself to walk away.

It’s a little like Olivia Rodrigo’s song “Get Him Back!”—even though it’s about a messy breakup, I think the same ideas apply when it comes to toxic friendships. You know that feeling of wanting to “get them back,” like maybe, just maybe, this time things will be different? It’s so tempting to believe that if you give it one more shot, it’ll go back to the way it was when everything felt perfect.

But girl, sometimes that is the trap. The hardest part isn’t always realizing that a friendship is toxic—it’s finding the strength to actually walk away.

Toxic friendships are like a bad ex—you know, the kind that sucks you in with charm, but leaves you feeling drained. You’ve got the fun moments where you feel so close, like you’ve found your ride-or-die. Then, there’s the drama, the hurtful comments, the betrayal, and the emotional manipulation that make you wonder if you even know who they are anymore.

It’s like a tug-of-war. One minute you’re laughing and hanging out like you’re the best of friends, and the next you’re questioning everything. Those highs? They make you forget the lows. You start convincing yourself that maybe they’ll change, or you’ll just “forget” the bad stuff and focus on the good. I mean, who hasn’t been there? It’s that cycle of hope, disappointment, and self-doubt that keeps you stuck in a friendship that’s honestly not doing you any favors.

Letting go of a toxic friend can feel like losing a part of yourself. There’s a strange comfort in familiarity, even when it’s a toxic kind of comfort. You’ve spent so much time with this person, shared so much, and maybe even let them in on your deepest secrets. The thought of walking away can be terrifying because… well, who else gets you like they did? And let’s be real, sometimes it’s easier to stick with the drama you know rather than face the discomfort of being alone or trying to make new friends.

The truth is, though, you’re not losing yourself by letting them go—you’re finding yourself again. Sometimes we hold on to toxic people because we’re afraid of being alone, but the thing is, being alone for a while is SO much better than being surrounded by negativity and drama.

It’s easy to romanticize what you had. The late-night chats, the fun trips, the inside jokes—it’s all tempting to remember. But once you step back and really look at the friendship as a whole, you’ll see that it wasn’t as perfect as you thought. And girl, that’s when you’ll realize: you deserve more than toxic cycles and endless drama. You deserve real friendships where you feel seen, heard, and loved for who you truly are.

When Olivia sings about wanting to “get him back,” there’s a feeling of longing, right? A desire to return to something that felt good—something familiar—even if it was unhealthy. That’s exactly what happens with toxic friendships. You might start missing them or wondering if things could work out this time around, but girl, trust me when I say: it’s probably not worth it.

The temptation to go back is real, especially when you feel like the friendship was one of the best parts of your life. But just like in relationships, sometimes it’s better to leave the past in the past. It’s not about revenge or even about them—it’s about YOU and your peace of mind. Do you really want to go back to the toxic drama? Or do you want to step into something healthier, more positive, and full of real love?

Here’s the thing: breaking free from a toxic friendship takes courage. It means putting yourself first, even when you feel like you’re losing something important. It might hurt at first—you might feel lonely, unsure, or like you’ll never find someone who “gets” you like they did. But trust me, this is where the magic happens. When you let go of someone who doesn’t lift you up, you create space for people who will. You create space for better vibes, better energy, and friendships that bring out the best in you.

If you’ve ever felt like you were stuck in the push-pull of a toxic friendship, remember this: you deserve a squad that makes you feel confident, loved, and supported—not drained, doubted, or misunderstood. You have to trust that the friends who truly belong in your life will never make you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells.

At the end of the day, letting go isn’t about hating the person—it’s about loving yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you. Don’t let that old connection fool you into thinking it’s the only option. You’ve got the power to move on, grow, and make space for new, healthier relationships.

Moving on from a toxic friendship is tough, but it’s also the first step toward protecting your energy and well-being. Just like Olivia’s song is about reclaiming her power, breaking free from a toxic friendship is all about reclaiming yours. Don’t let the temptation to “get them back” hold you back from what you truly deserve—real, positive friendships that lift you up. And remember, walking away might be the hardest thing you do, but it will also be one of the best decisions you make.

So, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this, girl.