Towards the end of the year, there are people we thank for being in our lives, as we hope for the better — similarly, there are those we shouldn’t even feel bad about leaving behind in the soon-to-be-past that is last year. New year, new life. Say goodbye to these toxic people, as you ring in the new year.
10. That Tinder “friend” of yours.
While we can’t completely discredit Tinder as there have been people who were able to make friends through that app, more often than not it’s just a recipe for disaster. That Tinder friend of yours who’ll meet up for “coffee” and bail out at the last minute when you actually, truly, legitimately meant a venti iced latte at Starbucks? Why are we even having this conversation?
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9. The pessimist.
Look, there are times when life can get us down in the dumps, and we have our friends who help us get out of that rut, so we owe it to them to help them when it’s their turn as well. But there’s a difference between someone who’s having a rough time, versus someone who’s just ALWAYS a Debbie Downer, especially those that cramp your style by dissing every new idea you come up with, saying, “I’m just being realistic. You should be, too.” The only thing that’s realistic about your friendship is that you just basically provide each other warm space: you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
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8. Â The person who only thinks about himself.
You know this friend: the friend who’ll call you the MOMENT something big happens in their life, and just EXPLODES into a speech of what is either the worst day ever (AGAIN), or the best day of their life (Yippee.) before you can even get the chance to squeeze in a Hello, and barely a Goodbye when it’s all over. Even more annoying when it’s your turn to vent or gloat and they’re just half-listening. Um, you could at least pretend to listen while I’m talking.
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7. The one who can never say a good thing about you.
“Parang tumaba ka yata” — this “friend” says for the third time in a row since you last saw each other. “Uy, good luck ha, pero alam ko, magagaling lang kinukuha nila d’yan”, she comments backhandedly when you tell her about this new job or school you’ve applied for. It’s like this person is completely incapable of giving you a genuine compliment: it’s like they almost want to, but then they recoil at the last minute.
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6. Your ex who manipulates you.
You still love your ex, and your ex knows this for a fact. For whatever reason you had to part ways, you still somehow, miraculously, end up keeping in touch. Sometimes, it feels like nothing has changed (Why did we break up again?) and the sweetness just comes back naturally — other days, they’re suddenly so cold and distant. When you ask them whether there’s a chance of you getting back together, the answer just hangs there in mid-air, giving you the slightest (if not vaguest) hope… that is, until you see your ex joined at the hip with another person on social media. While we can’t blame you for looking for even just the faintest of reason to hold on to this tethering excuse for a relationship, save your own sanity: Find someone who can love you wholly for just being you, and 2016 is the best year to do that.
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5. The chronic liar.
Whatever comes out of this person’s mouth can’t be trusted. And a solid foundation for any sort of relationship is built on trust. When you can’t vouch for yourself the sincerity and trustworthiness of a person, then it’s best to just throw them out the side. All that doubt of whether what they claim is true is not worth the trouble.
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4. That “user-friendly” friend.
You know this friend: the one who suddenly pops back in your life and so conveniently needs a favor, and then promptly disappears afterwards. Even the one who, out of the blue, wants to bond with you and then sweetly cajoles you in introducing them to some “very important” people you know, and then “takes it from there” afterwards.
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3. The backstabber.
This is the one who said they’d always have your back — which, as it turns out, they stabbed with a knife without you knowing. We really shouldn’t have to explain this one.
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.2. The one who always doubted you.
This is the person who never believed in a single thing you said, and made you feel like you weren’t good enough to push your limitations or boundaries. The new year is all about dreams and possibilities, and you don’t need anyone who will try to drag you down.
1. Your own negative self.
Because when all is said and done and you feel like the world is backing you up against a wall, you have no one to believe in but yourself. And to survive 2016, all you need is self-confidence to see the beauty within you.
Share with us who you’re thankful to have around for 2016!
