The so called "friends" always look to take advantage of you or make you act against your own interest so they can feel better than yourself and then when there is an opportunity they'll backstab you.
My life has become so much better when I cut all contact with all people I used to know - turns out they weren't friends anyway.
That being said, I limit my contacts to strictly business. If something does not benefit me, I don't engage.
No more stress, no more drama, more free time, more enjoyment.