We’ve all had that one friend who seems to glow with excitement at your success until they don’t. In the age of self-love and empowerment, we need to be careful with the company we keep. Not everyone smiling at you is smiling at you.

Some people come into your life to celebrate your growth, while others are there to feed on your energy, draining your confidence and spirit. They’re the ones who cast shadows over your light and make you second-guess your accomplishments. These are the friends that are here to eat your light, and trust me, they will if you let them.

Spotting the Light-Eaters
Light-eaters often present themselves as supporters. They might be the ones always at your side, showing up to your events, complimenting you on your work, or even hyping you up on social media. But their true colors reveal themselves when the attention isn’t on them. Here are a few telltale signs:

They Downplay Your Wins: Every time you share an achievement, they find a way to minimize it, either by comparing it to something they’ve done or questioning its significance.

Constant Negativity: They are always surrounded by negative energy and never seem to celebrate your success without inserting their drama into the mix.

Backhanded Compliments: Ever heard someone say, “Wow, you’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl,” or “I didn’t expect you to do that well”? Those are not compliments. They’re shades wrapped in fake smiles.

Competing in Secret: Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, they’ll try to outdo you in ways that aren’t obvious, always trying to ensure that they are one step ahead of you.

Ghosting During Your Wins: They vanish when you’re at your peak but reappear when things aren’t going well, ready to ‘comfort’ you with pity masked as support.

Stay Woke and Protect Your Light
It’s time to stay woke and guard your light. You don’t need to let anyone dim your shine. Here’s how to protect yourself from those who come into your life with less than pure intentions:

Set Boundaries: You don’t owe everyone full access to your energy. Setting clear boundaries with these friends will limit the opportunities they have to feed off your light.

Stay Mindful: Recognize when someone is draining you emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.

If you feel exhausted every time you interact with them, it’s a sign they’re taking more than they give.

Cut Ties If Necessary: Not every friendship is meant to last forever. If a person is a constant source of negativity and you see no room for change, it’s okay to let them go. Protecting your peace should always be a priority.

Surround Yourself with True Supporters: Cultivate friendships with people who genuinely want to see you win. These are the friends who lift you without hidden motives, who are there for both your highs and lows, without comparison or competition.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. If you sense jealousy or insincerity, don’t ignore it. Your intuition is often your first line of defense.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everyone has your best interests at heart, but the reality is that some people are only there for what they can gain from you. The moment you outshine them, they’ll either try to eclipse you or pull you back into their shadows.

Stay woke. Keep shining. And never allow anyone to eat your light.