Chanakya Niti: 4 Types Of Friends You Should Never Trust

Bindu Mishra | Dec 09, 2024, 13:20 IST

Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was a revered philosopher, economist, and statesman in ancient India. His teachings, collectively known as Chanakya Niti, offer profound insights into human behavior, relationships, and life management. Among his many lessons, Chanakya warned about certain types of people who may appear as friends but can be harmful. Recognizing and avoiding such individuals is essential for maintaining peace, success, and happiness in life.In this article, we’ll delve into Chanakya Niti and explore the four types of friends Chanakya advises us to never trust.

1. The Self-Serving Friend

self serving

Chanakya highlights the danger of friends who only stay close for personal gain. These individuals may appear supportive but will disappear the moment they have nothing to gain from you.

Red Flags

They only contact you when they need help.
They show no interest in your well-being or challenges.
They avoid reciprocating the effort or support you extend to them.

Why Avoid Them?

Such friendships are transactional and lack emotional depth. Over time, they can drain your energy and resources without offering genuine companionship.

How to Handle Them?

Politely distance yourself and invest your time in relationships built on mutual respect and trust.

2. The Envious Friend

The Envious Friend

Chanakya warns against friends who harbor jealousy towards your success, happiness, or relationships. Though they may smile outwardly, their envy can lead to subtle sabotage or negativity.

Red Flags

They downplay your achievements or offer backhanded compliments.
They compete with you unnecessarily.
They seem more upset than supportive during your moments of success.

Why Avoid Them?

Jealousy in friendships fosters toxic dynamics. Instead of uplifting you, such individuals will undermine your confidence and sow seeds of doubt.

How to Handle Them?

Focus on friends who celebrate your successes genuinely. If the envious behavior persists, it’s best to walk away.

3. The Gossiper Friend

Gossiper Friend

Chanakya cautions against friends who gossip excessively. While they may entertain with their stories, their habit of sharing others’ secrets indicates a lack of trustworthiness.

Red Flags

They constantly share private information about others.
They press you to disclose your personal matters.
You notice discrepancies in their stories.

Why Avoid Them?

If someone is willing to gossip about others with you, they are likely gossiping about you with others. Such individuals cannot be trusted to keep your confidences.

How to Handle Them?

Maintain a surface-level relationship and refrain from sharing sensitive information.

4. The Opportunistic Friend

Opportunistic Friend

Opportunistic friends are those who align with you only when it benefits them, often leaving you when times get tough. Chanakya compares such people to fire—they’re useful when needed but dangerous when uncontrolled.

Red Flags

They are only present during your good times.
They avoid offering help during your struggles.
They show loyalty to whoever benefits them the most.

Why Avoid Them?

Opportunistic friends lack loyalty and integrity. Trusting them can lead to disappointment, especially during critical moments in life.

How to Handle Them?

Observe their behavior and limit your reliance on them. Surround yourself with friends who stand by you unconditionally.

Chanakya’s Wisdom on Friendships

true friends

Chanakya emphasized that friendships should be built on honesty, mutual respect, and unwavering trust. He believed that a single loyal friend is worth more than a hundred unreliable ones. By identifying and avoiding harmful friendships, you safeguard your mental peace and emotional well-being.

The teachings of Chanakya Niti remain timeless, offering us practical advice for navigating the complexities of human relationships. Recognizing the four types of friends you should never trust—the self-serving, envious, gossiping, and opportunistic—empowers you to build healthier, more fulfilling connections.

As we reflect on these lessons, let us strive to cultivate meaningful friendships that bring positivity and growth into our lives.