When a Friend Tried to Become Me: My Toxic Friendship Story

Every week, our series gives women the space to share honest, unfiltered stories about sex, politics, family and survival. Twenty-four-year-old Naya, a cosplayer, model and voice actress in Lagos, met someone online who seemed like the perfect friend—sharing her interests in gaming and cosplay and fitting right into her family. Small red flags—entitlement, passive-aggressive silences and copying her style—grew into full-blown obsession when this friend stole her gift idea, mimicked her tattoos and even made a move on Naya’s boyfriend. Trusting her instincts, Naya quietly pulled back and now warns anyone facing the same red flags to listen to that uneasy feeling early.

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