Is my friend toxic? Once you start asking yourself that question, chances are you already know the answer. Still, it can be tough to reconcile the good things about this person with the fact that they might be bad for you. Your friend might be prone to jealousy, giving negative advice, possessiveness, getting defensive, delivering backhanded compliments, and offering unsolicited critiques. You may feel exhausted, insecure, or anxious after spending time with them.