I bet each of us has had a bad friend at one point or another. It's even more than likely you have a bad friend in your circle right now but are not so sure you do.

At the end of the day, our relationships hold us back or propel us forward. Yea, that's why it's worth knowing whether you have good or bad friends.

To make it easier to know who exactly a bad friend is, here are four types of bad apples you should be on the lookout for if you want progress and joy in life.

1. Braggarts

These kinds of friends are very popular, and you can see them coming from a mile away as they are always smiling from ear to ear when they have something nice to say about themselves, which they always do.

Even when you have good news to share, they will always minimize your achievement by telling a story that makes them appear better than you. This friend will always be better looking, smarter, more athletic, kinder and better in every way according to their twisted egotistical perspectives.

You might be surprised to learn that these friends do not believe the things they say about themselves. Deep down, they have deep insecurities they don't want the world to know about. That is why they are always bragging to make it seem like they are great or up to something amazing.

2. Naggers

This friend does nothing but complain and nag you. They never let up, and will wear you down and sometimes make you suicidal with their incessant demands and negativity.

If you have such a friend, you will forever be exhausted.

But, however much you care about this friend, understand that there's nothing you can do about their behavior. Only they can change, if they even stick around after you point out their errors to them.

The best option is to distance yourself from these soul-sucking people unless they change their ways, otherwise, they will drag you down and wear you out over nonsense.

3. Flakers

These can drive you up the wall with their colossal indecisiveness. Whenever you make plans with this friend, you can bet on them not showing up or canceling just as you are walking out of the door to meet up.

However, we have a good way of ridding ourselves of such friends. In time, you tire of the fake promises. Everyone does. After that, all you will get from them are complaints that you never invite them to anything.

4. Doubters

You will have a hell of a time convincing this friend you had breakfast today because they doubt everything. Everything you say to them sounds like a giant lie, however mundane.

It can be draining talking to this kind of friend, and you are better off without them because in time you might lose confidence in yourself after being bombarded with all that doubt. Friends who believe in you make you more confident, and doubters do the complete opposite.

Life would be miserable without friends. Unfortunately, with the wrong kinds of friends, it's much worse. These four types of friends are to be avoided if you want to be happy in this life.