Apr 4, 2025
While your colleagues may be nice to you at work, not all have good will for you. A workplace frienemy pretends to be your friend but secretly undermines you. Here we list some ways to spot them:
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Their praise may often feel like a hidden jab, and will make you question your perception. This passive-aggressive behavior will put you down while appearing supportive. This is because of their insecurity and competitiveness towards you, as per psychology.
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Frienemies subtly steal your ideas or downplay your contributions in the team. This is because they are secretly insecure of you. And so, they might pretend to be your friend but then take away yoour work credit.
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Frienemies may pretend to be your friend and be very sweet to you. But in your absence they'll gossip about you, and spread rumours. Beware of such two-faced people.
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A real friend celebrates your success, while a frienemy helps only when it serves their interests. Psychology calls this “instrumental friendship,” where relationships are based on utility rather than genuine care.
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A frienemy may sweet-talk you, but subtly they'll turn everything into a rivalry. They constantly compare themselves to you and downplay your achievements. Remember, healthy colleagues uplift each other, and pull them down.
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Frienemies might give misleading information, delay responses, or conveniently “forget” important details-- all of this to sabotage your work.
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Their suggestions often discourage you. If their advice consistently holds you back, they might not have your best interests at heart.
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Check out The Times of India's website.
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