Why Fake Friends are Fatal to Your Level Up: Lessons from the 48 Laws of Power

When you are in the middle of a "level up," you aren't just changing your habits; you are changing your vibration. This shift acts as a mirror to everyone around you. For those who are stagnant, your progress feels like an indictment of their laziness. This is why avoiding "fake friends" isn't just a suggestion for your mental peace—it is a requirement for your survival.

The Law of the Inner Circle

In his book The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene lays out Law #2: Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies. He explains that friends are often the first to betray you because they are the most easily aroused to envy. When you level up, a friend who knew you when you were "down" may feel they have a right to your space, even as they harbor a secret desire to see you fail so they can feel comfortable again.

Associating with people who secretly dislike you is "fatal" to your growth. Like a slow-acting poison, their passive-aggressive comments and subtle sabotages drain the energy you need to build your empire.

Cinematic Warnings: Mirrors of Envy

Hollywood has long warned us about the "friend" who wants your life:

• Single White Female: This movie is the ultimate blueprint for the "identity thief" friend. Hedy doesn't just want to be near Allie; she wants to be Allie. When you start winning, some people won't just want your advice—they will try to clone your aesthetic, steal your connections, and eventually sabotage your reputation so they can take your place.

• The Players Club: In this cult classic, the betrayal comes from within the circle. It highlights how proximity to success can turn a "sister" into a predator. When the character Diamond tries to elevate herself, the envy from those stuck in the same cycle leads to setups and physical danger. It proves that some people would rather see you destroyed than see you leave them behind.

A Personal Note on Sabotage

I know this pain personally. I have sat at tables with people I called "sisters," only to realize later they were feeding on my information to use it as ammunition. When I started seeing real success, the masks slipped. I experienced "friends" who would go behind my back to tell lies to my business partners, or people who would go silent when I had a win but were the first to call when they thought I had a loss.

Envy is a quiet killer. It starts with them "forgetting" to congratulate you and ends with them actively trying to hurt your heart because they can't handle your light.

How to Protect Your Glow Up

1. Audit Your Circle: If they don't celebrate your small wins, they don't deserve to be there for the big ones.

2. Silence is Power: Stop telling your big dreams to small-minded people.

3. Believe the Red Flags: If you feel "shaky" or drained after hanging out with someone, that is your intuition telling you they are a "Hedy."

Leveling up requires a lighter load. Don't let someone else’s envy become the anchor that keeps you at the bottom.