Fake Friends, Real Shade? Why Some People Would Rather Pay a Stranger Than Support You

Let’s get straight to it, sis.

Why is it that the people who claim to “love you” the most are the same ones watching you build something from the ground up... in complete silence?

They see your grind. They see your posts. They see your growth. But somehow, they “forgot” to like it, share it, or even publicly support it.

And yet — when a stranger launches the same thing? They repost. They buy. They cheer like it's Beyoncé dropping a new line. Heck, some even try to copy you!

Let’s talk about it.

They’re Watching, But Not Clapping

You ever noticed how some “friends” act blind when you’re trying to elevate?

• You start a business, they go ghost.

• You post a flyer — no likes, no shares.

• You drop a podcast —and crickets.

• You offer your services — they suddenly know someone else who “does it cheaper.”

• They'll even copy you

But let Drake post something? “Yasss, King! 🔥🔥🔥”

It’s not about what you do. It’s about who you are to them.

Because your success challenges the version of you they’ve kept in their head: The one who was struggling. The one who was unsure. The one who wasn’t a threat.

Let’s Be Honest: Some “Friends” Don’t Want You to Win

They liked you better when you were small. When you were dreaming, not doing. When you were venting about how hard it was, not posting receipts of wins.

And that’s the real gag.

Because of your elevation? Makes them uncomfortable.

• It forces them to reflect on what they’re not doing.

• It triggers their impostor syndrome.

• It reminds them they had the same opportunity and chose comfort.

So instead of supporting, they sabotage. Quietly. By withholding love. By skipping your events. By pretending they didn’t see your post, even though you know they watched your story.

The Price of Familiarity

Sometimes, people don’t see your value because they’re too close to your origin story.

They remember when you were struggling. When you were unsure. When you were just starting out. And because they knew you then, they can’t accept who you are now.

Familiarity breeds disrespect in this digital age.

And instead of saying, “Wow, look how far you’ve come,” They say, “I mean... I knew them before they were all that. Imagine being so hurt by someone else's glow-up that you refuse to clap. Whew.

Why They’ll Pay a Stranger But Not You

Here’s what it comes down to:

• They don’t want to see you win without them.

• They don’t believe you're “qualified” until someone else validates you.

• Supporting you feels like losing a silent competition.

It’s not always jealousy. Sometimes it’s ego. Sometimes it’s insecurity. Sometimes it’s just plain bitterness wrapped in fake love.

But whatever it is? You are not obligated to shrink to make them comfortable.

So What Do You Do About It?

Let’s be real: It hurts when people you love don’t support you. But it doesn’t have to stop you.

Here’s how to move smart, not bitter

1. Don’t Beg for Support

If they have to be guilt-tripped into clapping for you, their applause isn’t genuine. Let them watch in silence while strangers celebrate you.

2. Celebrate Your Wins Anyway

Post the receipt. Share the testimonial. Talk your talk. Don’t let their silence shrink your shine.

3. Find Your Tribe

There are people out there who don’t know you personally but will ride for you harder than some folks who shared a childhood with you.

4. Protect Your Energy

Stop giving “supporter” benefits to people who play “spectator” roles. Not everyone deserves access.

5. Let the Loss Be Mutual

If they’re not clapping when you win, don’t stress it. Wish them peace. But don’t offer them front-row seats at your next level.

You Deserve Loud Support❤

Not everyone in your circle is in your corner. Not every friend is a fan. And not everyone who claims they “see you” wants you to be seen by others.

But here’s the truth

You deserve to be supported out loud. In real time. Without begging. Without asking. Without shrinking.

Because you’re worthy — even if they don’t say it.

Let’s Talk About It

🖤 Have you ever felt unsupported by people closest to you?

Got a story to share? Drop it in the comments or send me a DM.

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Screenshot this and share it with the caption: “If it’s not loud support, I don’t want it." #ShalenaSpeaks