Can too many friends be toxic?

people silhouette during sunset

By Erica Mata

Too many toxic minds linked together start to spread negativity.  People have different ideas of things and can spread a little thing into a big thing. It also may be hard to try and keep up with 25 friends’ emotions and opinions. From experience, I feel that having too many friends can be toxic to your mind in most cases. Too many people in your circle can be toxic to your life. 

I feel a load of friends can take up emotional energy. From my experience, I had times where I felt like help for emotional support was coming from every direction and I became overwhelmed with being there for everyone as much as I could. I felt there was no time for me and my mental health. At one point I started to not look at my phone until later in the day because I was exhausted emotionally from worrying about so many other people’s issues. 

When you can’t be there for everyone, and you see they feel that way it makes you feel like you’re the bad guy. You may question am I there for this person more? Was I just too exhausted to help the other friend at that time? This is when I would suggest taking a mental break and me time.

Acquaintances would be considered safer is what I believe. Keep the distance but it is still good to associate with others. Just don’t let everyone in, you never know their intentions of hurting you silently and then coming over to smile at you later.  Keep your guard up. I grew up having a lot of friends. I went through many different groups because I liked everyone. I trusted too many people that I encountered. I now keep about 5 close friends nearby. Social media still gives access to many people, but you can keep the distance on there and control how much access the associates have to your life and other friendships. In conclusion, many friends can be great for fun and games, but it also can be toxic and drain you emotionally and physically.