Absolutely Focused Radio Podcast

Spotting Fake Friends and Protecting Your Peace: The Secret to Real Growth

• Season 2 • Episode 31

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Updated Show Notes for Session 2, Episode 31

Welcome to the Episode:

  • Title: Spotting Fake Friends and Protecting Your Peace: The Secret to Real Growth
  • Session: 2
  • Episode: 31
  • Host: Daniel Nelson, aka Thabudd


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How to recognize fake friends and identify insincere support.
  • The impact of fake empathy and how to guard your energy.
  • Tips to protect your peace and foster genuine relationships.
  • The connection between personal growth, setting boundaries, and thriving authentically.


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Speaker 1:

Welcome back to Absolutely Focused Radio Podcast. I'm your host, Daniel Nelson, aka the Bud, and today we're digging into the real talk. We're unpacking therapy, fake empathy and how to protect your peace from the time wasters, energy vampires, those who love to compete instead of care. This is for anyone who ever felt drained, betrayed and undervalued by someone who claimed they were just trying to help. And to the energy vampires out there, I've got a message for you too. Don't think you're off the hook, so buckle up, because today's episode is all about calling it out, Reclaiming your energy and staying absolutely focused. Let's start here.

Speaker 1:

Therapy isn't magic. It's about just sitting in a room with someone who listens. It's about you showing up with the desire to change and grow. Studies show that approximately 75% of people who engage in therapy report significant improvements in their mental health. That's powerful, but only if you're willing to put in the work. But here's the problem.

Speaker 1:

Some people weaponize therapy. They'll go in not to heal but to gather ammunition. They learn the language of empathy just to fake it better. They say all the right words, but their actions scream insincerity. To those people let me say this empathy isn't about what you can say to someone. It's about how you can show up for them and fake empathy. We'll see it. It's loud. Your insincerity speaks louder than any comforting words you might copy and paste in a text. Real empathy doesn't need a script. Now let's talk about that frame. You know the one. They pretend to listen, they nod at all the right times, but when you really need them they're nowhere to be found. They're busy when you're in crisis, but free when they need a favor. They expect you to be their emotional support system. They're a cheerleader, their therapist, but you don't have five minutes to ask how you're doing.

Speaker 1:

Here's a stat for you 40% of people report feeling emotionally drained by one-sided friendships. These are the energy vampires. They don't just take your time. They take your energy, your peace and your joy. To the energy vampires, here's your message Stop pretending, Stop competing. If you can't show up authentically, step aside. No one has time to carry you while you secretly try to bring them down.

Speaker 1:

And to those of us dealing with these people recognize the signs. If someone calls you when they need something, if they can't celebrate your wins, or if you always leave conversations feeling worse, it's time to set boundaries. So how do you protect yourself from these fakers, time wasters and energy vampires. Here's what I've learned. One set clear boundaries. It's okay to say no. You're not obligated to give everyone your time and energy. Two recognize true support. Give everyone your time and energy.

Speaker 1:

2. Recognize true support. Real friends and family show up. They celebrate your wins, sit with you in your losses and don't make it a competition. 3. Invest in mutual relationships. If you're giving 100% and only getting back 10 or maybe one, it's time to reevaluate that relationship.

Speaker 1:

Here's a powerful stat to hold on to People with strong reciprocal social connections are 50% more likely to live longer and happier lives. Your energy is precious and it deserves to be spent on people who add value, Not drain it. And to those of you walking the road of recovery, I see you. Therapy can be A powerful tool On this journey, but it's not the only one. Sometimes your therapist is a trusted friend, a journal or even moments of self-reflection. Stay vigilant about who you let in your circle. Surround yourself with people who genuinely support your sobriety and growth, not those who use your vulnerability as leverage. Sobriety isn't just about staying away from what broke you. It's about building something new, something stronger, and that takes real, authentic support.

Speaker 1:

Thank you for tuning in to Absolutely Focused Radio Podcast. I appreciate you so much, every single one of you. Your time, your energy, your focus it's all valuable and you're choosing to spend it here. Remember this you're not obligated to entertain fake support. You don't owe your energy to people who don't reciprocate it. Protect your peace, invest in yourself, smile on purpose because you are worth it, Stay blessed, stay absolutely focused and keep thriving. My name is Daniel Nelson, aka the Bud, and I'll see you in the next episode. Take care and keep shining your light so you