The Uncomfortable Truth About Success and Friendship
When you’re sweet, cute, and considered someone’s best friend, people adore you. They throw around titles like “amazing” and “lovely” to describe you. However, when you start growing in confidence, power, and status, many of those same people become uncomfortable with your success.
You may find that you lose friends when you start performing beyond their expectations. The person who once loved and admired you suddenly questions your changes and growth. They may ask:
- 📌 What does she think she is?
- 📌 She’s changed. She’s different.
- 📌 Why is she like that now? She wasn’t like this before.
The Reason Behind the Discomfort
People become uncomfortable when you elevate because they prefer you to stay in your place. They like you when you’re a little below them or on their level. When you start moving upwards, it challenges their own sense of status and success.
This is why you may lose friends along the way as you grow and succeed. Most people prefer to keep you in a position that doesn’t threaten their own standing.
Interesting Facts About Success and Friendship
- 🔍 A study by the University of Texas found that people are more likely to feel envious and competitive towards friends who achieve success, especially if that success is in a domain they care about.
- 🔍 Research by the University of Groningen suggests that people may distance themselves from successful friends as a way to protect their own self-esteem.
- 🔍 A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 27% of adults have ended a friendship due to feelings of envy or competition.
Addressing Misconceptions
It’s important to note that not all friends will react negatively to your success. Supportive and secure friends will celebrate your achievements and growth. The discomfort and distancing described in this article are more likely to occur with friends who may already have insecurities or competitive tendencies. Focus on cultivating relationships with people who will support and celebrate your progress.
