Having your friend’s back doesn’t mean pretending they’re right when they’re not.

Loyalty and agreement are two different things, and mixing them up is how people end up defending something they know is wrong. Real backing is showing up, staying on their side of the room, and not letting anyone pile on. It is not signing your name to a version of events you do not believe. A friend who only ever agrees is not much use when it counts.

When a friend is clearly in the wrong, try saying both halves out loud. I am with you, and I think you handled that badly. Say the second part privately and once, then let it sit.