"I need to talk to you, urgently!" This trend is making people reconsider their friendships

Do you have someone in your circle who only texts you when they have a problem? TikTok has a name for them: the "crisis friend." It's the latest trend that has sparked debate on social media and has many people wondering if some friends only ask for them when they need a "savior."

According to TikTok users, a "crisis friend" is someone who contacts you almost exclusively when something is going wrong in their life. Messages like " I need to talk to you, it's urgent " become the only way to communicate, while when everything is going well, they disappear.

The debate has gone viral, with some influencers advising against these friendships, arguing that some people seem to live in constant crisis because that's how they get attention and support from others. However, relationship and mental health experts warn that the reality is much more complex.

According to relationship expert Shasta Nelson, there's a difference between a "crisis friend" and someone who's going through a tough time. The loss of a loved one, a divorce, an illness, or a difficult situation can make anyone need more support from friends for a while.

Psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis explains that the problem arises when someone only seeks you out when they need help and shows no interest in your life once their situation improves. In a healthy friendship, support should be mutual, even if not always to the same extent.

Experts compare friendship to a bank account: the more "deposits" a relationship has, shared experiences, care, trust, and support, the more it can withstand periods when one needs to receive more than one gives. This is normal, as long as it does not become the only model of the relationship.

If you think you have a "crisis friend," experts recommend talking openly about how you're feeling and asking for more reciprocity. On the other hand, if you're the one going through a difficult time, don't forget to show gratitude for the support you receive and take an interest in your friends' lives.

In the end, experts agree on one thing: no friendship is perfect. What makes the difference is not whether one person goes through a crisis, but whether the relationship continues to be built on mutual care, respect, and support, even after the storm has passed.