Learn to Share

You’re not on your own when you have friends and if you open up and tell them how you are feeling, chances are they are going through the same things too and these shared experiences will only make your friendship bond even closer. Let your friends know they can tell you anything and that you will keep any private chats PRIVATE and be sure to keep this promise.

Learn from Them

If you’ve got a friend who is committed to doing well in school or takes sport seriously, then don’t ridicule them for being like this calling them ‘geeky’. Instead learn from them, they are positive role models and it is always better to surround yourself with people like this, rather than negative friends who always look on the down side. Positive people can often leave us feeling we can excel at something too and give us a kick start to join a new club or try to better ourselves in class.

Learn to give a compliment

It sounds obvious doesn’t it? But so many of us nowadays forget to be nice to each other, so if your friend is wearing a nice outfit or has done well in sport, or even has changed her hairstyle, tell her, by doing this you will encourage others to do the same. And if someone gives you a compliment learn to take it, say “thank you” instead of dismissing the compliment as unworthy of you.

Learn something new

Get out of the habit of rejecting something new. Friends will often have different views and likes based on their home life. So try something that you would never have considered before. It could be something as simple as listening to a new band your friend likes, reading a book they recommend, trying a new activity such as ice-skating or rock climbing, or even eating something you do not generally eat at home, such as sushi, or Mexican food. These new experiences can only make your world far richer for being introduced to them.

Learn to take criticism

Friends are often quick to offer you advice on boys, what movies to watch, music to listen to, how to dress. Don’t take this personally, they generally have your best interest at heart. And if you are the person giving the advice, offer it in a positive way. For example saying “I hate your hairstyle today”, will only cause conflict and upset someone’s feelings. Instead say, “I really loved your hair the way you had it the other day, it was so pretty, you should wear it more like that.”

Friends can be blunt if they think you are making a mistake or doing something that could be harmful or risky. Listen to their advice, you may not take it, but they do this out of genuine care for your well-being and can often see something you are unable to see because they are not so closely involved.

Learn to open up to new friendships

Don’t feel excluded if your friends have other friends outside of your group and if you are invited along to a social event, smile, chat and get to know these new people too, they are not your enemies or rivals and it’s always a good idea to expand your circle of friends and build new relationships. This will also help with any shyness or feelings of being self-conscious that often starts to be noticed in your teen years. And where friends are concerned…the more the merrier!

Learn to let go

Puberty is hard for teens and it is normal for friendships to change and adapt during your teen years. So if a friend seems distant or is spending more time with others, don’t feel too upset, instead of cutting them out of your life and making a big deal out of it, accept this can happen. Smile when you pass them in the corridor or canteen and say “Hi” and keep a limited level of contact with them in the future. You never know they may come back to your group and if they do, welcome them back without judgement.