Not all friendships are genuine. This difficult lesson is one that Sibongile, portrayed by Nsikelelo Mthiyane in Sibongile & the Dlaminis, learns the hard way when Busi, a deceitful character cloaked in the guise of friendship, steals her assignment and submits it as her own.
This event serves as a painful reminder that while some people seek authentic connections, others are only interested in exploiting relationships for personal gain. Don't be like Sibongile and get caught off guard. Here’s how to spot a fake friend.
Warning: Prepare for a tough pill to swallow!
Gossips about everyone
One of the clearest signs of a fake friend is their tendency to gossip. Fake friends will eagerly spread rumours and share secrets, tearing down anyone, including those they claim to care about. They may appear charming and supportive in your presence, but rest assured that when you're not around, they are likely talking behind your back, undermining your character, and betraying your trust.
They want you to fail
Be wary of friends who exhibit happiness at your misfortunes. These toxic individuals revel in your setbacks and failures, which serve only to boost their ego. Accepting this reality can be tough, especially for those like Sibongile, who inherently see the good in others.
They are inconsistent
Fake friends are notoriously unreliable and often only show up when they need something from you, be it emotional support, a favour, or an audience for their problems. However, during your time of need, they vanish or create excuses to distance themselves.
They steal from you
Yes, fake friends will absolutely rob you, sometimes in the most insidious ways. They may take away your peace, confidence, and positivity, leaving you feeling drained and undervalued. Moreover, they can even cross personal boundaries, trying to meddle in your romantic relationships, and then guilt you into feeling bad for having a problem with their actions.
Watch Sibongile & The Dlaminis, Mondays to Wednesdays at 18:30 on DStv channel 163. Stream and catch up on episodes on DStv Stream.
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