If Your Friend Has Tall Poppy Syndrome, They Might Lowkey Hate You

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If Your Friend Has Tall Poppy Syndrome, They Might Lowkey Hate You

If you’re the victim of Tall Poppy Syndrome, it’s a sign you’re doing something right.

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We’ve all had “friends” who tear us down behind closed doors, distancing themselves from us the moment we start leveling up. This phenomenon is referred to as Tall Poppy Syndrome—and yes, it’s a real, documented, social and cultural phenomenon. Think of it like this: People choose to cut the tallest flower they see, merely because they are threatened by its growth. (We’re not really talking about flowers here.)

What Is Tall Poppy Syndrome?

Tall Poppy Syndrome refers to the idea of “humbling” or even sabotaging those who grow too successful or powerful. We see this happen often in the workplace, on social media, or even in our own social circles. 

Let’s say you landed the promotion your coworker has been working toward for years. Suddenly, that same colleague is discrediting........

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