Not a fair-weather friend

Watch out for frenemies in your group, who are good to party with but can neve

Now commonly used in tween movies, literature and TV shows, ‘frenemy’ has become a synonym for a not-so-pleasant peer.
In the burgeoning world of teenage angst and friendships, ‘Frenemies’ refer to ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Divas’, ‘Gossip Girls’, ‘Poison Pals’ and should never be confused with  BFFs, which stands for Best Friends Forever.
A BFF is a real friend, whereas frenemies are not, even though you spend time with them, may even enjoy talking with them but you can never completely trust them.


Frenemies are not age specific or limited to the teen demographic. “A frenemy is an essential part of growing up. I think middle generation folks are more hurt by them because if you have a frenemy in your thirties then you are naive or just plain dumb,” says Alisha Shafarali.

In her experience, “Frenemies are easily identifiable. They are usually amusing and popular girls who tend to have long telephonic conversations about everybody. In groups, you can spot a frenemy because in a crisis depending on your hierarchical place in the group, she will immediately align with or against you.”

“We’ve all had frenemies in the past, but now in our forties we have become choosy preferring to avoid toxic friends,” says socialite Suman Patel.

“But surprisingly a frenemy also has her uses. Her infuriating presence will motivate you to live better, achieve more, be healthier and  look better. Life would be dull without a frenemy or two!”

“Girlfriends are fundamental to growing up and every girlie clique has one of each prototype, the best friend, the good time girl (there for the ride, but missing when the going gets tough) and last but not least-the “frenemy”.

She is a blast to be with, but leaves you in the lurch or feeling like you are constantly being judged-unfairly,” says Meagan Abraham, adding, “the smart thing to do would be to keep your friends close, but your frenemies closer”.

“Watch out for them...older people,” advises Alisha. “The moment you communicate with your 'real' friends, the frenemy gets singled out and then 'wham' they have no power over you. I too have been bitten once. But now I can spot frenemies for my mom.”