89. DETECT FAKE FRIENDS

The Trent Shelton Podcast

HEY REHABBERS:

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into something that every single one of us has faced at some point—fake friends. You know what I’m talking about—the people who are there when it’s convenient but vanish when you really need them. We’re going to get real about how to spot these people, why they act this way, and how to protect your energy from getting drained by relationships that aren’t genuine. Because at the end of the day, your peace is priceless, and who you allow into your inner circle matters.

I’m sharing personal experiences, hard lessons I’ve learned, and practical tools to help you figure out who’s really for you and who’s just around for what you can give them. Real situations always expose fake people, so it’s time to learn how to recognize the signs before they damage your peace, your mental health, and your life.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Emotional Toll of Fake Friends
2. Fake friends aren’t just inconvenient—they can be emotionally exhausting. We’re talking about how fake friendships drain your energy, raise your anxiety, and mess with your mental health. I’ll share how these so-called friendships can pull you down and why you need to be intentional about the people you keep around.
3. Warning Signs of a Fake Friend
4. Fake friends show up in different ways. They might only call when they need something or they disappear when you’re going through tough times. If someone is always negative when you win or talks behind your back, that’s a red flag. We’ll break down the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that someone is faking loyalty.
5. Psychology Behind Fake Behavior
6. Why do people act fake? It often comes down to insecurity, jealousy, or fear of being alone. Some people keep you around because it benefits them, not because they value who you are. I’m breaking down the psychology of fake friendships and why people show up this way in your life.
7. Setting Boundaries & Protecting Your Peace
8. You don’t have to feel guilty for walking away from people who don’t have your best interest at heart. I’m giving you the tools to set boundaries, tune into your intuition, and protect your peace. We’ll talk about why it’s okay to outgrow people and how to make space for the ones who lift you up.
9. Letting Go of Fake Friends Gracefully
10. Letting go doesn’t have to be messy. It’s not about drama—it’s about protecting your energy and moving on with grace. I’ll share how you can distance yourself from fake friends without holding onto bitterness and how to heal after cutting those ties.

Quotes:

• "Fake people don’t surprise me anymore—loyal people do. If someone’s only around when things are good, they aren’t your friend."
• "Longevity doesn’t equal loyalty. Just because someone’s been in your life for a long time doesn’t mean they deserve a spot in your future."
• "Stop giving access to your heart to people who only see you as an opportunity. Real friends love you for who you are, not what they can get from you."
• "Protect your peace by setting boundaries. You can’t build with someone who’s inconsistent or who doesn’t respect your limits."
• "When you let go of fake friends, you make space for the real ones. Trust me, the right people will show up when you start protecting your energy."

Call to Action:

After listening to this episode, take some time to reflect on the people in your life. Who are the ones who genuinely have your back? Who are the ones draining your energy? Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and protect your peace. If you’re ready to let go of fake friendships and create more space for the real ones, this is your sign to start today.

If this episode hit home for you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And as always, protect your peace and stay true to yourself. Let’s keep building the life and relationships we deserve.