So I have this friend who used to always sponge off me and my other friends when it came to buying alcohol whenever we went out partying. We used to enthusiastically call him over and he would always show up empty-handed. Even when he was told months prior about a party, he would still bring only his thirsty self. And what was annoying is that it is not like he did not have any money to contribute. He would always make excuses that he forget his wallet and we would drink at his expense when we go out the next time. This friend of mine is what I call a leech.

Believe it or not we all have that friend who is a complete leech even if it doesn’t involve alcohol. It can be a friend who only calls, texts, or visits you when they want something from you and you never hear from them until they want something again. If you do not know anyone in your crew, chances are you are the leech. Before we get into how to spot a leech in your crew, let me first define what is a leech is. A leech is someone who clings on to another for his or her own personal gain.

Now let us move on to ways to spot a leech in your crew. They are to detect but do not panic, you can still be able to identify them. Here are a few pointers on how to know if you have a leech in your crew.

1. He is always broke

He never has any money on him. He is always broke, yet he is the one who wants to go partying. For some reason, he tends to always forget his wallet at home or there is something wrong with his bank card. So, he asks you to buy him drinks and says he will pay you back, but never does.

2. He wants your money

A true leech does not mind sponging off you and will never spend his own money. He holds on to it very tightly and balls out at your expense. He is also very good at convincing you that you only live once.

3. He is sneaky

When you have information on opportunities you always share with him. But when he comes to know something he never shares with you but instead goes off sneakily to do his own thing.

4. He takes without asking

He comes over to your house to visit and tries on one of your jerseys and the next thing it is gone. To show you that he is not even a thief, he will even wear the jersey right in front of you as if it was his to begin with.

5. He will own your house

You let him sleep over at your house after coming from the club. When dealing with a leech, this could easily turn into a permanent move. He will come into your house and own it. And what’s worse is that you only notice when the fridge is empty that your friend has been staying with you for more than two days.

6. He borrows and never returns

The biggest mistake you can make is to borrow a leech something of yours because you will never see it again. When you ask him where it is, he will always make excuses till you forget.

Words by Lesley Tshamano