What is your take on "friend guarding"? Have you done it or experienced it from others?

Friend guarding: when a person tries to protect a friendship from a third party (often stemming from friendship jealousy): looking out for rivals, monopolizing the friend’s time, and making sure they don’t leave you.

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bijouxbroussard · F

Never, and I’ve not seen that reference. It seems a benign term for some very unhealthy, obsessive behavior. 😳

friendinneed · 41-45, M

@bijouxbroussard I knew the phenomenon.. Experienced it from others.. Just that, I didn't know the term.. I came to know recently.. I have seen how some people would try to protect another friend if she starts going out/spending time with a new set of friends.

bijouxbroussard · F

@friendinneed That’s the thing; it’s not "protecting"—it’s controlling, isolating someone from others because of jealousy and possessiveness. It would be a red flag as a behavior from a lover, so a "friend" who would do that is no friend.