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The Impact of Frenemies/Ambivalent Friendships on Our Well Being
Frenemies, defined as individuals in ambivalent relationships, exhibit unpredictable behavior that can significantly impact mental and emotional health. These relationships fluctuate between supportive and harmful interactions, creating stress for those involved. Research indicates that larger social networks contribute to better health, equating their importance to lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, and exercise. However, the quality of these relationships is crucial; ambivalent friendships can be more detrimental than consistently negative ones. The uncertainty associated with frenemies can heighten stress levels, even causing physiological responses like increased blood pressure. Awareness of the effects of such relationships is necessary to manage one’s emotional response and maintain well-being, suggesting a potential need to distance oneself from harmful connections while being cautious of perpetuating similar behaviors towards others.