Fake Friends – Tales from My Fabulous Fifties
Fake friends. Ugh. I still roll my eyes thinking about them.
And hey, if you’re reading this, fake friends come at any age—even those you’ve known for 50 years or more.
It just happens.
When you look at it, not everyone who smiles and seems nice is a true friend.
Honestly, I’d rather have an honest enemy than a fake friend.
Meeting “The Ladies”
A few years ago, I joined a neighborhood yoga class.
I thought it would be fun, a chance to meet people and stretch my body—not my patience.
That’s when I met “the ladies.”
They were lively, chatty, and always laughing.
Brunches, weekend outings, coffee dates—they invited me to everything.
I thought, Finally! Friends who get me!
At first, everything felt great.
I showed up full of energy, ready to connect.
But slowly, the signs of fake friends started showing.
When Help Becomes Exploitation
They only reached out when they needed something.
One insisted I let her use my car, messaging me at 3 a.m. for a 7 a.m. flight.
Others asked me to bring snacks, plan coffee meetups, or try new restaurants and report back if the food was “worth it.”
Heaven forbid I suggested a different place—they acted like I’d committed a crime.
It didn’t feel like friendship—it felt like unpaid work.
My time, energy, and patience were being drained by people who smiled in my face but had no true care for me.
The Tipping Point
The moment it all clicked?
During a small group hike, they openly complained about me to others—right in front of me.
At first, I laughed it off. But inside, I felt drained, used, and disappointed.
Wait—weren’t we supposed to be friends?
Fake friends thrive on convenience and drama.
They only appear when it benefits them and vanish when support is needed.
They gossip, compete, and leave you questioning your own worth.
The Lucky Escape
At fifty, I finally had the wisdom—and the backbone—to say no.
I stopped overextending myself.
I started spending time with people who genuinely celebrated my wins, laughed at my jokes, and respected my time.
Life is too short to be anyone’s personal assistant, personal photographer, or research assistant.
Walking away from fake friends felt like a lucky escape.
A relief.
Good riddance to all that nonsense.
No more unnecessary stress, no more energy wasted.
Finding Real Friends
Now, I enjoy yoga, coffee dates, and weekend hikes—but only with friends who truly uplift me.
True friends are consistent, supportive, and genuinely happy for you.
They don’t drain your energy or make you feel small.
Fake friends? I let them walk past.
Preferably while I sip my latte in peace.
Lessons Learned About Fake Friends
Not Everyone Who Smiles Is a Friend: Some people appear kind, but their actions tell the truth.
Boundaries Are Essential: Protect your energy and say no when needed.
Quality Over Quantity: Surround yourself with people who genuinely care.
Honest Enemy vs. Fake Friend: A clear enemy is easier to deal with than someone pretending to be a friend.
Remember, fake friends can show up at any stage of life—even in your fifties or beyond.
Recognizing them is empowering, not sad.
Walking away is not failure—it’s self-respect.
Protect your peace, choose friends wisely, and celebrate those who lift you up.
Life is too short for anything less.
