I am an Aquarius and it is in our nature, for the most part, to want lots of friends and to be friendly with everyone. Although this has allowed me to meet the most amazing people; I have also been a magnet for friends who are ill-intended.

It took me seeing and being shown that I had some friends around me who were friends with me because I was dating a famous Producer for me to set up boundaries and be honest with myself. I was tired of being there for people who weren’t there for me or if they were, would criticize me.

So, I took the truthful route and no longer attract friends who use me. I don’t count everything friends do for me but I notice who is there for me when they will receive something from it versus because they genuinely enjoy my company or are on the same vibration of me.

To me, you can never be too nice or too open. It is who we are opening ourselves up to that makes a big difference.

Here are 9 red flags of a fake friend:

1. They gaslight you by not listening to you or disappearing when you need them.

2. You feel like you can’t speak up in their presence.

3. They reach out to you to criticize you or ask you for something they need.

4. They copy your style or ideas that you have.

5. You never really feel safe and heard around them.

6. They are negative about your future and what you have to offer others.

7. They speak a lot about money and use other people. Pssst... one day, they will use you.

8. You feel physically or emotionally drained when you leave them.

9. When you do well, they doubt you. When you need them, they are not around. But, when you are mediocre, they flock to you because they are happy with you not growing or being authentic.