Your Bromances Are Destroying Your Relationship: Get Rid of These 6 Types of Friends
Every guy enjoys bromances. We all have some close friends that seem to be closer to us than our partners at times, but that’s not always the best thing for your relationship. Every relationship, including the ones with your bros, needs boundaries. Recognizing when your friendship might be toxic and even hurting your relationship is the first step toward preserving your connection. That said, here are six types of friends who might be hurting your relationship without even realizing it.
1. The “Single and Bitter” Friend
This friend has nothing good to say about relationships and makes sure you know it. Every time you share something positive about your partner, they roll their eyes or change the subject. Their negativity is often rooted in their own disappointments or jealousy, but it spills into your mindset. They might pressure you to ditch date night for guys’ night, no matter how important the evening is. Over time, their comments can create doubt, resentment, or even cause you to question your commitment.
2. The Party Animal
The party animal never grew out of the college phase and lives for wild nights out. They constantly invite you to bars, clubs, or sketchy after-hours hangouts, even when you’ve made it clear you’re trying to build a stable life. Their impulsiveness and love for chaos can put you in risky situations that hurt your partner’s trust. Worse, they’ll guilt you for “changing” or “being whipped” if you try to say no.
3. The Secret Saboteur
This one is tricky because they act supportive in public but sow seeds of doubt in private. They might subtly question your partner’s intentions, appearance, or loyalty under the guise of “just being honest.” They thrive on creating tension and often escalate misunderstandings rather than helping resolve them. You may not even realize how often they’re whispering negativity until the damage is done.
4. The Overgrown Adolescent
He’s stuck in high school or frat-boy mode and hasn’t embraced adult responsibilities. Every conversation revolves around video games, crude jokes, or avoiding any form of emotional maturity. He makes fun of you for being thoughtful or attentive in your relationship. Worse, he’ll try to drag you down to his level when you’re trying to grow. His inability to evolve can block your progress and create tension with your partner.
5. The Flirt
This friend gets a little too friendly with your partner—and doesn’t care who notices. Whether it’s compliments that cross a line or subtle boundary-testing, their presence makes your significant other uncomfortable. They may laugh it off as harmless fun, but their intentions aren’t as innocent as they seem. If your partner has mentioned feeling uneasy around this person, believe them.
6. The Emotional Leech
This friend always has a crisis, always needs your help, and always expects you to drop everything—especially when your partner needs you too. They drain your emotional energy and often pull you away from your relationship just when you’re trying to connect. At first, it feels like being a good friend, but over time, you’re left emotionally exhausted. Your partner may feel neglected or frustrated by the constant interruptions.
Your Circle Shapes Your Relationship
The people around you will have an impact on your daily life. Your friends and “bromances” will have an impact on your relationship, whether you like it or not. The wrong friendships can cause damage and even lead to breakups if you aren’t paying attention to their influence in your life. A healthy friendship will uplift your relationship, not undermine it. So, reassess your friendships and consider whether or not your bros are supporting you in the right way.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.