👉 "Friend fumes" refer to the subtle, often unnoticed negative emotions or behaviors that can creep into a conversation or interaction when someone is overly invested in maintaining a friendship, typically at the expense of their own well-being. These fumes can manifest as passive-aggressive comments, constant need for validation, or an excessive focus on minor disagreements, all stemming from a deep-seated desire to keep the relationship strong. This can lead to a toxic dynamic where the friend's actions or words, while seemingly harmless, actually erode trust and create a stressful environment, making it difficult to maintain genuine connection and mutual respect."
