All our friends are not always good for us. Most of us have at least one who leaves us feeling emotionally drained. Here are five of the most common types:
• The judgmental friend: These are the kinds, those who give their opinion when it’s not asked for and is holier than you. You feel she’s passing judgment on your partner, house, job and decisions. She annoys you because she imposes her values on your life and seems to think that you can’t make a decision yourself.

How to deal with them? Experts say, whenever this kind of friend gets all judgmental on you, tell her you value her frankness but you have to make your own mistakes. This will appeal to her sense of moral superiority. Then add, ‘I’m sure you respect that, and if I need advice I’ll ask you’. If she doesn’t improve, see her less, constant criticism can batter your confidence.

• The dependent: These kinds of friends can call you in the middle of the night with a crisis and even rings your mobile on a holiday. You feel responsible for her and often feel your life isn’t your own.

How to deal with them? There are two sides to this friendship, one that depends on you and you get a self esteem boost by rescuing her. But it doesn’t do either of you any good. Help her to be more independent. Give her the time you can afford, and then direct her to an organization for further help. If necessary, tell her that her dependency is getting in the way of your friendship.

• The smug friend: If you have this kind of friend then life’s a constant competition when you’re with her. 

How to deal with them? If you envy her, the problem could be that you’re not happy with what you have. But if she’s bragging about her holiday and dismissing yours, then tell her. According to experts, her smugness may be because she’s jealous of you. She may envy your social skills or relationship. Find out what you have that she wants by talking about personal qualities rather than possessions.

• The frenemy: She’s supposed to be your friend, but sometimes you’re not sure, she won’t come out and say things but she makes dogs that dent your self-esteem.

How to deal with them? It’s difficult to share anything when you fear it’s going to be used as ammunition in the future. It erodes your confidence and feels like a betrayal. If she has something to say, tell her to just come out and say it. It takes confidence but it should help you find out if she’s a real friend.

• The moaner: No one’s situation is as bad as this friend’s; no one works as hard or has such a stressful love life. She ignores your positive advice and certainly has no time to listen to your woes, they don’t compare.

How to deal with them? It’s time to get assertive. If she still doesn’t get the message then simply have to tell her straight. Then explain how you’ve shed so much emotional baggage that you’ve decided to stick to it from now on. And encourage her to do the same too.