Friendship is supposed to be a haven built on mutual respect, love, and support. But what happens when you find yourself being taken for granted? You know, that friend who assumes you’ll always be there, no matter how one-sided the relationship feels. Let’s call them The Takers. Here’s a light-hearted exploration of the signs and how to handle these unintentional (or intentional) friendship freeloaders.

Spotting the Takers

1. The Planner-Leaners: They never make plans but always lean on yours. If your outings were left to them, you’d only meet in your dreams.
2. The Emotional Dump Trucks: They call to vent, cry, or rant, but the moment you need support, they’re suddenly “so busy.”
3. The Chronic Forgetters: Birthdays? Forgotten. Your promotion? “Oh, I missed that text.” Their milestones? Announced with fireworks.
4. The Favors-First Squad: Always borrowing, asking for help, or needing a ride, but when you need the smallest favor, they ghost.

Why Do They Do It?
It’s often unintentional. Some Takers might not realize they’re neglecting the balance of give and take. Others, however, simply enjoy the benefits of your kindness and forget friendships are a two-way street. The key is recognizing whether it’s ignorance or entitlement.

1. Have the Awkward Chat: Sometimes, people don’t realize their behavior until it’s pointed out. Be direct, but gentle.
2. Set Boundaries: Stop overextending yourself. Politely declines when they ask for something unreasonable. You’ll be surprised how quickly they adjust.
3. Limit Your Energy: Reduce how much time or effort you spend on them until the friendship feels more balanced.
4. Prioritize Friends Who Prioritize You: Invest in those who reciprocate your kindness. Energy is precious don’t waste it where it’s not appreciated.

When to Walk Away!
Sometimes, a friend’s neglect goes beyond taking for granted they might be outright toxic. If your mental health suffers or the friendship drains you without giving back, it might be time to step back for good. A healthy friendship shouldn’t feel like a one-person job.

We all have moments when we unintentionally take someone for granted it’s human. But when it becomes a habit, it’s worth reevaluating the friendship. Remember: you deserve friends who value you as much as you value them. And if nothing else, maybe this is the universe nudging you to prioritize yourself for a change.

After all, the best kind of friend is one who never forgets to thank you even if it’s just for existing.

By Edima Columbus