Are you a ‘neutral friend’? Here’s why that’s a red flag

“Neutral friend” is a four-letter word.

In this divided world, we’re often called on to pick a side — and that’s especially true of our relationships. Yet, there will always be some folks who insist that impartiality is the most level-headed approach — and that’s dubious, according to a burgeoning interpersonal discourse on the so-called “neutral friend.”

Armchair psych experts on TikTok have defined this type as one who refuses to get involved in a tiff between mutual pals, claiming to be unbiased.

But TikToker Jordyn, who goes by @jordynsthoughts___ on the app, revealed why being a “neutral friend” is a major red flag.

“What do you mean they didn’t do nothing to you personally … if I’m your friend, that means you care about me and you’re not gonna be friends with somebody who did me wrong … that is personal,” the TikToker said in her viral video with over 2.3 million views.

Jordyn defines the neutral friend as someone who doesn’t choose a side between two people who are feuding. They remain impartial to the drama and avoid conflict.

In the 5-minute clip posted last month, Jordyn confessed that people who seek neutrality are “fake and have no loyalty.”

“I feel like y’all just really be pretending to tryna play peacemaker,” she continues. “How are you friends [with me] and ke-keing with my enemy.”

The TikToker takes friendships very seriously, considering herself a ride-or-die type of friend.

“If somebody does my friend wrong, it’s automatically f-ck them. I take it personally,” she adds.

The Post reached out to the content creator for comment.

Jordyn has said she’s had her fair share of neutral friends and no longer has an interest in being around those who ride the fence.

“They are always tryna gaslight you talking about ‘oh you’re childish,” she said. “Be for real just say you can’t stand on business about loyalty and move on.”

In a follow-up video, she clarifies this “isn’t high school drama.” As “grown women”, the neutral friend should declare how they feel about the situation and stand up for the person who was wronged.

“Y’all should be able to have a conversation [and] talk about the issue,” she added.

Jordyn’s polemic is backed by science: Results from a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology showed that “participants felt as negative toward a friend who remained neutral as they did toward a friend who actively sided against them.”

Many viewers on TikTok agreed with Jordyn’s sentiments, sharing their frustrations with impartial friends.

“‘The neutral friend is always the biggest red flag in friendships. How are you friends with someone that clearly hurt me??!!!” one person commented.

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“I’m sick of neutral friends,” added another. “Neutral people are dangerous.”

“That’s why I cut off those “neutral friends” they’re way more STRESSFUL than your actual enemies.”

Meanwhile, some naysayers believe staying out of the drama is the best remedy.

“I [have] always been the neutral friend. Now I don’t want any friends cuz I’m tired of people expecting me to take sides in folks drama,” confessed one watcher.

“I think it’s hard if we’re always friends [with] both,” admitted another. “I feel like it depends on the situation.”