Friendships

Is Your Friendship Toxic? Take This Quiz

Ten questions that reveal toxic behaviors in friends. Answer these questions to determine if your friendship is unhealthy.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Updated on January 10, 2025
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“I feel like a magnet for unhealthy people.”

“I need to learn how to pick BETTER friends.”

“Why do I let people treat me badly?”

“How do I know whom I can trust? I’ve been burned so many times.”

Healthy friendships enrich our lives. Toxic friendships, as the ADDitude readers quoted above know, do the opposite; they deplete us.

From rejection sensitive dysphoria and low self-esteem to a tendency to rush into friendships, the traits and tendencies of ADHD may make individuals more vulnerable to toxic friendships for various reasons.

Answer these questions to see if someone you consider a friend may be exhibiting toxic behaviors toward you.

The questions in this resource were derived, in part, from ADDitude ADHD Experts webinar titled, “An Adult’s Guide to Fostering Friendships with ADHD” [Video Replay & Podcast #478] with Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., ACCG, PCC, which was broadcast on November 2, 2023.

My friendship feels one-sided. Interactions always seems to be about them.

I feel on edge around my friend. They’re often quick to point out quirks of mine, or something silly I said or did.

My friendship feels like an emotional rollercoaster. They act hot and then cold.

I feel mentally and emotionally depleted or disoriented after spending time with my friend.

My friend doesn’t mention me to other friends. It’s like I don’t exist.

I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around my friend. I’m extra careful with what I say or do, as they are easily set off.

My friend reaches out to me only when they want something.

With this friend, I often find myself agreeing to things I wouldn’t normally agree to, like taking their call during work hours.

Honestly, I don’t think my friend would be there for me in a time of need.

I don’t feel like I can fully be myself around this friend.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Toxic Friendship: Next Steps