Quiz: Can You Spot a Toxic Friend?

Sounds like she's trying to help but she doesn't know how. She's probably a true friend. Changes can be hard to make and a good friend can help support you.

Tell her you appreciate her help but that other things might be more helpful. Together, brainstorm other positive ways she can support you.

Tip: Make changes together to stay motivated. You could: Help each other avoid the food court at the mall. Plan to meet on Saturdays to go for a walk. Make healthy snacks together.

Friends have to cancel sometimes. It doesn't mean they are ditching you. She gave you a good reason, so don't be too upset. But if she repeatedly lets you down, that's not cool.

Tip: If your friend often cancels, talk about it. Tell her it bothers you and see if things get better. 

If not, maybe it's time to hang out with other friends. Stressing over a friendship can be bad for your health. Stress can cause you to lose sleep and put you at risk for gaining unhealthy weight.

It doesn't seem like this is something a good friend would do. Good-natured teasing is OK, but not if you’re always the punch line. Good friends support you. They don't make fun of you or want to make you feel bad.

Tip: There's a chance your friend doesn't know how you feel.  Tell him it hurts your feelings and see if he changes.

If he doesn't change, you don't want a friend like that. Find people who make you feel good about yourself.

It doesn't mean they are ditching you. 

While it may be a little strange, be flattered. You have great taste and your friend noticed!

People have the right to buy and wear whatever they want. But if it bothers you, talk to her about it.

Tip: Try coordinating so you wear the shirt on different days.

It's important to trust your friends, and it sure seems like you can't trust this one.

Tip: Before you write off your friend completely, talk to her. Tell her what she did wasn't cool and see what she has to say.

Maybe there was a misunderstanding, so give her a chance to explain. If there's no good reason, find truer friends to hang out with.

Friends tell each other how they feel but they do it in ways that help, not hurt. When anger strikes, it can be easy to say  nasty things you don't mean.

Tip: Take time to cool off. Moving -- like jogging or kicking around a soccer ball -- can help you blow off steam. Or at least count to 10 before you talk.

Then have a calm conversation. Starting with "I" instead of "you" is less emotional. Say things like, "I get my feelings hurt when …." It's a good way to talk things through and stay friends.

It's important to keep a friend's trust. But if your friend could get hurt, don't keep his secret. You're not betraying his trust, you're being a good friend.

Tip: Speak up. Tell someone you trust -- a parent, counselor, or teacher -- who can help. If your friend gets mad or confronts you later -- let him know you did it because you care about him.

It all depends on why you're telling her. A good friend will tell the truth, but with the best of intentions.

Tip: If your friend's feelings get hurt easily, maybe keep your opinion to yourself unless she asks for it. Then, be honest, but nice.

Offer a solution, too. Suggest she wear something you know she looks great in -- like a different pair of jeans or a great top with her new jeans.

Friends don't have to do everything together all the time. Just make sure you don't leave your friend stranded in an unsafe situation.

Tip: If you need to leave so you can get some sleep, good for you. You need at least 8/12 hours of sleep a night (even on weekends) to stay healthy and feel your best. But if your friend doesn't know anyone else at the party or is relying on you for a ride, then don't abandon her.

Compromise on a time to leave so everyone is happy and safe.