Friendship poaching is subtle but real. It happens when someone deliberately inserts themselves into your close circle, building relationships with your friends in a way that feels calculated rather than organic. While genuine friendships naturally evolve, friendship poaching is different—it’s often driven by insecurity, competition, or even the need to control the narrative about themselves.

One of the most frustrating things about friendship poachers is their charismatic nature. They’re friendly with everyone, making it hard to pinpoint their true motives. This is also a trait of covert narcissists. They seek to insert themselves into social circles as a form of control, ensuring that they always have access to relationships that were once exclusively yours. They might act like they’re just outgoing, but if you notice passive-aggressive behaviors, such as repeatedly mentioning their new friendships with people you introduced them to, that’s a red flag.

True friendships develop naturally and mutually, without the need for constant validation or territorial behavior. If someone keeps reminding you of how close they’ve become with your friends, ask yourself why. A secure person doesn’t need to parade their social life as a trophy.

The best way to handle a friendship poacher? Not every situation requires confrontation, because more likely than not, they will gaslight you. Some people thrive on drama, and calling them out might only fuel their behavior. Instead, be mindful of what you share and who you introduce into your life.

A wise saying reminds us: “A true friend shows love at all times.” Genuine friendships are built on trust, not competition.

Have you ever felt like one of your friends was constant competition with you? You’re not crazy.

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