She was a Friend Poacher

 

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Friend poaching" is a painful social behavior where an acquaintance intentionally fosters close connections with your friends to edge you out, often causing feelings of jealousy, betrayal, and insecurity. It frequently involves manipulative tactics, such as secret socializing and turning friends against you, sometimes driven by narcissistic tendencies or insecurity. 

Key Behaviors and Motivations

• Manipulation: The "poacher" may act charming to isolate you, often using triangulation to turn your friends against you.
• Copying/Identity Theft: Narcissistic individuals may copy your behavior, style, or interests to replace you in the group, driven by envy.
• Insecurity/Social Climbing: In many cases, it stems from a desire to gain access to a better social circle or insecurity about their own social standing.
• Subtle Infiltration: They may gradually become inseparable from your friends, making you feel excluded or like a third wheel in your own group. 

How to Handle "Friend Poaching"

• Set Boundaries: Communicate clearly if you feel uncomfortable, and if necessary, limit the poacher's access to your inner circle.
• Secure Your Connections: Nurture your friendships directly with one-on-one time to ensure the bond remains strong.
• Do Not Compete: Avoid stooping to their level, as this often fuels the behavior.
• Evaluate the Friendship: Assess if your friends are truly "stealable." If they are easily swayed, it might be necessary to re-evaluate those relationships. 

If the behavior is creating a toxic environment, it may be best to disengage from the person involved to protect your mental well-being.