Almost everyone knows someone like this. They call only when they need help moving, want to borrow money, forgot to take notes, or just went through a breakup and need emotional support for hours.
In these situations, the “friendship” feels transactional. You’re treated more like a service provider than a valued person.
A simple test is asking yourself this: do they ever check on you without wanting anything in return?
Conversations with fake friends often revolve entirely around their problems, their crises, and their emotions. Over time, this becomes emotionally draining.
Healthy friendships involve reciprocity. If someone only comes to you because they know they’ll benefit from your kindness, they are valuing your usefulness more than they value you.
