A Teen's Toxic Friendship: When Do You Know It's Time to Let Go?
Seventeen-year-old Annalisa Barbieri has been friends with her closest buddies, B and C, since secondary school. However, in their final year of high school, she finds herself increasingly frustrated with a particular dynamic - or lack thereof - within the group.
Annalisa describes how her friendship with B and C used to revolve around planning activities together, but over time, C began to leave them out of plans without explanation. When they finally managed to plan something together, only to bump into C and D without being informed in advance, Annalisa realized that C's behavior was not only hurtful but also hypocritical.
"I feel like she doesn't value our friendship, or B's, but expects us to be there for her and make the relationship revolve around her," says Annalisa. What's surprising is that this realization has come after a heated argument where C called her out, disregarding texts from B and Annalisa sent to apologize.
Annalisa finds herself questioning whether keeping this friendship is truly worth it - especially considering how toxic C can be in the relationship. According to clinical psychologist Prof Alessandra Lemma, who spoke with Annalisa about the situation, C appears to be operating on a narcissistic position: craving attention and becoming easily slighted when not at the center.
"Narcissists are fragile people," warns Prof Lemma. "What draws you to this kind of friend is often a mystery."
Professor Lemma emphasizes that it's essential for Annalisa to prioritize her good relationship with B, as well as protecting herself from C's controlling behavior. By letting go of the toxic friendship and focusing on nurturing positive relationships, Annalisa can break free from an unsustainable dynamic.
In conclusion, sometimes friendships aren't what we want or need, even when we desperately try to make them work. It takes courage to acknowledge that it's time to move on - but it might be the key to finding true fulfillment in our personal connections.
Seventeen-year-old Annalisa Barbieri has been friends with her closest buddies, B and C, since secondary school. However, in their final year of high school, she finds herself increasingly frustrated with a particular dynamic - or lack thereof - within the group.
Annalisa describes how her friendship with B and C used to revolve around planning activities together, but over time, C began to leave them out of plans without explanation. When they finally managed to plan something together, only to bump into C and D without being informed in advance, Annalisa realized that C's behavior was not only hurtful but also hypocritical.
"I feel like she doesn't value our friendship, or B's, but expects us to be there for her and make the relationship revolve around her," says Annalisa. What's surprising is that this realization has come after a heated argument where C called her out, disregarding texts from B and Annalisa sent to apologize.
Annalisa finds herself questioning whether keeping this friendship is truly worth it - especially considering how toxic C can be in the relationship. According to clinical psychologist Prof Alessandra Lemma, who spoke with Annalisa about the situation, C appears to be operating on a narcissistic position: craving attention and becoming easily slighted when not at the center.
"Narcissists are fragile people," warns Prof Lemma. "What draws you to this kind of friend is often a mystery."
Professor Lemma emphasizes that it's essential for Annalisa to prioritize her good relationship with B, as well as protecting herself from C's controlling behavior. By letting go of the toxic friendship and focusing on nurturing positive relationships, Annalisa can break free from an unsustainable dynamic.
In conclusion, sometimes friendships aren't what we want or need, even when we desperately try to make them work. It takes courage to acknowledge that it's time to move on - but it might be the key to finding true fulfillment in our personal connections.
! I mean, who knew being friends with someone could be so toxic? 
Annalisa is totally right, C's behavior is NOT cool and it's time for her to reevaluate the friendship. I'd be like "bye Felicia" 
too if I were in her shoes. The part about narcissistic personality disorder is so interesting, Prof Lemma makes some great points about how fragile they can be 
. For Annalisa, it's all about prioritizing positive relationships and taking care of herself - girl, you go! 
Annalisa sounds like a total saint for puttin up w/ C's BS all these yrs. newsflash: if someone's gonna constantly leave u out & be hurtful, that ain't friendship, dat's emotional abuse 