Fake friends are often quietly competing with you.
They struggle to celebrate your success sincerely, so they disguise criticism as compliments through backhanded remarks.
Comments like “Wow, I’m honestly surprised you got that job,” or “That dress is definitely a bold choice,” are not genuine compliments. They are subtle attempts to undermine your confidence while pretending to sound supportive.
If you react negatively, they usually accuse you of being “too sensitive” or claim they were “just joking.”
But jokes are only funny when everyone is laughing.
A true friend celebrates your achievements wholeheartedly. They do not feel threatened by your happiness or success.