341. The 5 types of toxic friendships

341. The 5 types of toxic friendships

Author: iHeartPodcasts October 10, 2025 Duration: 46:49

Friendships should be a source of joy – people who just make life lighter. But not all friendships feel that way. Some leave us drained, insecure, or questioning our worth. And it can be hard to admit when a friendship has become toxic. Learning to recognise when a friendship is no longer healthy, and how to navigate that shift, is a crucial part of protecting your well-being and building a life that feels aligned.
In this episode, we unpack the psychology of toxic friendships: why we hold onto them, what they cost us, and how to create relationships that support rather than drain us.

We explore:

•        Why good friendships are so crucial in our 20s
•        The 5 types of toxic friendships
•        Warning signs of toxicity
•        How to recognise positive friendship dynamics
•        Why we stay in toxic friendships
•        How to manage friendship breakups and the emotional fallout

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a friendship that leaves you more exhausted than supported, this episode is for you. 

 

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The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

 

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Navigating your twenties can feel like a constant, bewildering experiment where you're both the scientist and the subject. The Psychology of your 20s, hosted by Jemma Sbeg, treats this unique decade with the thoughtful analysis it deserves. Released every Tuesday and Friday, each episode picks apart a specific thread of the modern twentysomething experience-whether it's the anxiety of mapping out a career, the complexities of dating apps, the strain on friendships, or the stress of managing money for the first time. Jemma grounds these universal themes in psychological research and science, offering clarity on why this period feels so tumultuous. The conversations move beyond simple advice, instead providing a framework for understanding the mental and emotional underpinnings of decisions big and small. This isn't a lecture; it's a companionable exploration of the growing pains that define adulthood's first chapter. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining a new lens on your own life, one that transforms confusion into comprehension. It’s produced by iHeartPodcasts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Psychology of your 20s
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