A selfish friend in a short story often shows a lack of consideration for others. For instance, they might hog resources like food or space without thinking about others' needs. They are also likely to be self - centered in conversations, only talking about themselves and their interests.
Selfish friends in short stories often don't share. For example, like in the story I just told about Tom and Jerry, Tom didn't share the stamps or the teddy bear. Another trait is they take credit for others' work. Just as Lisa did in the story with Anna, taking all the credit for the project. And they are self - centered. Jack in the fishing story was more concerned about his own gain, like the good fishing spots, rather than his friend's well - being when Mike was ill.
One common trait is they often try to undermine their friend's achievements. For example, if the friend gets a promotion at work, the envious friend might say it was just because of luck, not hard work. Another trait is they may spread false rumors, like in the story where the envious friend told others untrue things about his friend's new relationship. Also, they can be possessive and not want their friend to have other friends or interests outside of their friendship.
Once I had a friend named Tom. He was extremely selfish. Whenever we went out for dinner, he would always order the most expensive dishes without considering my budget. One day, we were at a concert. I had bought the tickets weeks in advance. But he saw some of his other friends there and left me alone to go sit with them, not caring at all about how I felt. He only thought about his own enjoyment and convenience, never mine.
Another trait could be being inconsiderate. This can show up as not respecting your time. They might make you wait for hours without even a proper apology or explanation. And they also don't care about your feelings when they say something inappropriate or rude.
Often, in an unreliable friend story, there is a lack of communication. For example, if a friend doesn't tell you in advance that they can't keep a promise. Also, they may be easily distracted by other things. My friend who was supposed to help me with the job interview might have been distracted by something else and just forgot about me. And they usually don't take responsibility for their actions. When they let you down, they don't really own up to it.
One common trait is self - centeredness. Just like in my story where my friend spilled my secret to get attention.
Typically, in these stories, the fair - weather friend is very self - centered. They are mainly interested in the good times and the benefits they can get from the friendship during those times. So, when the situation changes and there are no more fun things or advantages, they leave. Also, they often lack empathy. They don't consider how their friend feels when they are in trouble and just bail out.
One common trait is mood swings. Just like in my story about Lucy, they can be friendly and then suddenly cold. Another is unpredictability in behavior, like canceling plans at the last minute. Also, they might be overly sensitive, as Lily was in my story. They can easily take things the wrong way and react strongly.
There was a girl called Lily who was my so - called friend. She was selfish in the way she always wanted all the attention. If there were a group of us chatting, she'd constantly interrupt others to talk about herself. For example, when we were sharing our vacation experiences, she would start talking about her trips and not let anyone else finish their stories. Also, if there was something she liked, like a book or a piece of jewelry that I had, she would try to take it for herself without considering my feelings. I realized she wasn't a true friend.
In a short story, I would first try to talk to my selfish friend. I'd tell him how his actions were affecting me. For example, if he always took the best seat in the movie theater without considering me, I'd say, 'Hey, it's not fair that you always take the best spot. We should share.' If he didn't listen, I might start distancing myself. I'd go to the movies alone or with other friends who were more considerate. This would show him that his selfishness was costing him my company.