In the realms of personal and professional relationships, the act of support is often viewed as a cornerstone. Yet, there’s a delicate balance between genuine support and false support, with the latter often disguising itself as encouragement but spiralling into enablement. This deceptive form of support is far more harmful than it appears.

False support occurs when we back someone’s actions or decisions, fully aware that they are misguided or incorrect. Often driven by a desire to avoid conflict, maintain harmony, or due to misplaced loyalty, this approach might seem benign but is a perilous pitfall.

Enablement, a direct consequence of false support, happens when we inadvertently encourage harmful behaviours. By not addressing the problematic aspects of someone’s actions, we allow them to continue on a potentially destructive path. This can undermine their self-esteem, as they are deprived of essential growth opportunities by not being challenged or given constructive feedback. Consistent false support creates an unrealistic bubble, and when it bursts, it can lead to significant trust issues, not only with the enabler but in other relationships as well. Additionally, enablement reinforces the notion that negative behaviours are acceptable, leading to a cycle of poor decisions. Relationships built on false support are often fragile and can be strained or even severed when the truth comes to light.

True support involves honesty, integrity, and sometimes, the courage to voice uncomfortable truths. It’s about guiding someone towards their best self, not just agreeing with them for agreement’s sake. Authentic support includes offering honest, constructive feedback, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions and decisions, guiding them towards healthy, positive choices, and building a foundation of trust. By being honest and supportive, we foster deep, meaningful, and lasting relationships.

Social media can be and has in many cases become a hotbed for this kind of false or fake support in many instances far from being genuine it can even be a form of trolling, encouraging the poster to act in a way that is not in their best interest for the amusement of those showing support.

While the intention behind false support may not be malicious, its consequences can be deeply damaging. It’s vital to recognise the difference between genuine support and enablement. By offering authentic support, we not only help individuals grow and thrive but also cultivate relationships based on trust, respect, and honesty. True support is about empowering others to be their best selves, even when it’s challenging.