Why You Need To Watch Out For Excessive Praise, and How to Choose Better Friends -

In a world where social validation often dictates self-worth, praise can feel like a warm embrace. We all enjoy compliments and recognition—it boosts our confidence, validates our efforts, and motivates us to keep going. However, excessive praise can be a subtle yet powerful tool of manipulation, leading people into self-delusion and stagnation. Many do not realize when they are being played by false friends who use flattery as a means of control. Understanding the difference between friends who genuinely contribute to our growth and those who merely make us feel good is crucial for personal development.

The Link Between Excessive Praise and Hypnosis

One of the hallmarks of hypnosis is the deliberate lowering of critical thinking, often achieved through repetition and emotional engagement. Excessive praise operates in a similar way—it disarms the mind, making us more susceptible to influence. When someone continuously showers us with admiration, we may begin to crave their validation and, in doing so, lower our guard. This is a tactic often used by manipulative individuals, whether in personal relationships, business, or even cult-like environments, to create dependency and compliance.

Flattery is not always genuine. When given with an ulterior motive, it can serve as a tool for control, making it harder for us to see reality objectively. If we grow accustomed to excessive praise, we might start filtering out constructive criticism, surrounding ourselves only with those who reinforce a comfortable yet unrealistic self-image.

The scariest part is that it works even when you are aware of it. So stepping away is prudent, as remaining in such an environment will impact your mind regardless of whether or not you think it will affect you.

The Deceptive Comfort of False Friends

False friends often operate under the guise of being our biggest supporters. They always agree with us, rarely challenge us, and ensure that we feel validated in all our choices. While this might seem positive, it is actually a dangerous trap. Growth comes from friction—the kind of friction that forces us to examine our beliefs, actions, and decisions. Friends who never push us out of our comfort zone may be keeping us stagnant rather than helping us evolve.

Signs of a false friend include:

Constant flattery: They praise you at every opportunity, even when it’s unwarranted.
Avoidance of difficult conversations: They never tell you when you’re wrong or could improve.
Encouraging poor decisions: They may push you towards self-indulgence or reckless behavior, disguising it as support.
Creating a dependency on their approval: You may find yourself relying on their validation to feel good about yourself.

Recognizing True Friends

True friends, in contrast, do not hesitate to provide honest feedback, even if it is uncomfortable. They support you, but not at the cost of truth. Their praise is meaningful because it is balanced with genuine critique when necessary.

Traits of a true friend:

They challenge you: They encourage you to think critically and make better choices.
They offer constructive criticism: They point out where you can improve without diminishing your confidence.
They celebrate your successes, but keep you grounded: They remind you of the effort it took to get there, ensuring humility and continued progress.
They are consistent, not conditional: Their support does not fluctuate based on what they can gain from you.

Breaking Free from the Praise Trap

If you find yourself surrounded by excessive praise, take a step back and reflect:

Assess the source: Is the person praising you genuinely invested in your well-being, or do they have something to gain?
Look for balance: Do they also provide you with honest feedback, or is their support purely one-sided?
Evaluate your response: Do you seek out their validation more than you should? Are you making decisions based on what feels good rather than what is right?
Seek diverse perspectives: Surround yourself with people who challenge you and help you grow, rather than just those who agree with you.

Conclusion

While encouragement and validation are necessary for confidence and motivation, excessive praise can be dangerous when used as a tool for manipulation. False friends thrive on flattery, keeping us in a comfort zone that stunts our growth. True friends, however, offer a balance of support and honest critique, ensuring that we evolve into the best versions of ourselves. Recognizing the difference can mean the distinction between personal stagnation and meaningful growth. Choose your company wisely—your future depends on it.

Author: Ashwita Goel learned meditation as a child and has practiced energy healing for 27 years. She has helped thousands of people overcome phobias, trauma, limiting beliefs, find confidence, enhance performance and improve their relationships through online sessions.