8 Types of Friends You Must Cut Off to Succeed

Your friends can make or break how far you go in life. Being good at something or working hard isn’t enough—it’s also about who you hang out with. Friends are great, but not all of them will help you grow. Some lift you up, while others pull you down without you even noticing. If you want to succeed, here are eight types of friends you might need to let go of to keep moving forward.

The Constant Critic

This friend never says anything nice. Every time you share an idea, talk about a dream, or celebrate something you did, they respond with sarcasm, doubt, or mean comments. A little honest advice is okay, but too much negativity can make you feel bad about yourself. You need friends who believe in you and support your goals, not ones who keep putting you down.

The One-Upper

No matter what you achieve, this friend always says they’ve done better or turns the conversation to themselves. If you’re excited about something, they make it about their own story. This competitive vibe can make you feel like your wins don’t matter. Good friends are happy for you without trying to outshine you. They make you feel safe to share your successes.

The Energy Vampire

After spending time with this friend, you feel tired and drained. They complain all the time, want your attention, and don’t give much back. Your time and energy are important, and you can’t afford to waste them on people who leave you feeling empty. Choose friends who make you feel happy and full of energy, not worn out.

The Party-Only Friend

This friend is awesome at parties, brunches, or fun trips, but when life gets tough, they’re gone. If you’re dealing with a problem or need support, they don’t show up. As you work toward big goals, you need friends who are there for both the fun times and the hard times, not just when things are easy.

The Gossip Monger

This friend loves sharing other people’s secrets and stirring up drama. If they talk about everyone else, they’re probably talking about you too. Gossip creates trouble and makes it hard to trust them. Real friends are loyal and don’t spread rumors. You need people who focus on positive things, not drama that distracts you from your goals.

The Excuse Maker

This friend talks about big dreams but never does anything about them. They always have an excuse—like no time or money—for why they can’t move forward. Being around someone who’s stuck can make you feel okay about not trying hard. They might even tell you to slow down or give up. To stay focused, find friends who work hard and encourage you to do the same.

The User

This friend only contacts you when they need something, like a favor, money, or a connection. They’re not there when you need help, which makes the friendship feel unfair. When you’re trying to succeed, you can’t let people take advantage of you. Look for friends who care about you and support you as much as you support them.

The Fear Spreader

Every time you talk about a new goal, this friend fills you with doubts or scary stories about failing. Their own fear of trying new things rubs off on you, making you afraid to take risks. To grow, you need friends who give you courage and believe in you, not ones who make you worry about what could go wrong.

Success means making hard choices, and one of the toughest is letting go of friends you care about. Moving on doesn’t mean you’re unkind—it means you’re choosing your future over staying comfortable. Protect your happiness, keep your dreams safe, and surround yourself with people who inspire you and help you grow. The right friends will push you to be your best and make your journey to success even better.