Life changes are a critical time for supportive relationships. Maybe you’re engaged in a new job search, pending promotion, or raise. Perhaps you’re taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, a new career, or even a new relationship. Regardless of the shift, surrounding yourself with those who truly want to tip the scales in your favor is critical. Conversely, naysayers who subtly or not so subtly project their fears or jealousies can sap your energy away from the dreams you can otherwise see so vividly.
Having strong advocates who are in your corner, versus “covert adversaries,” can mean the difference between wild success and a mediocre outcome. The good news is you’re in control of all of this—and can decide who you let in the gate.
In my Psychology Today article Your Inner Circle: Advocates or Subtle Adversaries? I explain how to distinguish helpful friends from covert adversaries by examining your inner-circle relationships.
Signs of an Advocate:
Signs of a Subtle Adversary:
For more in-depth insight into how to recognize friends versus foes read Your Inner Circle: Advocates or Subtle Adversaries?