KEEPING AND MAKING FRIENDS
#askvicki , #newfriends
This week Ask Vicki talks about the ups and downs of friendship.
Friendship isn't easy and during puberty the relationship you have enjoyed for many years with close friends can change.
You may be noticing a change to the way you and your friends look and act, they may be dressing differently or developing earlier than you. You may even notice that some of your friends have started to talk about dating when this is something you are not ready for. You could even feel a little jealous or left out if they do start dating or making new friends with other people.
Although many friendships remain strong and continue into adulthood it is important to understand that some will start to fade and this is perfectly normal. So try not to worry if you seem to spend less time with a friend, it may be that they have recently found people they have more in common with and it doesn’t have to mean the end of your friendship, you can still keep in contact with a weekly update on the phone or by dropping them an e-mail.
Rollercoaster Up’s and Down’s
If you’ve got a friend who seems to be happy one minute and then moody the next, don’t give up on them, let them know that you understand this is all because of puberty and hormones and that together you will find ways to manage the way they are feeling, I am sure they will be glad of your support.
Secondary School
Starting a new school can sometimes mean that you and your friends will be split up, they may go to a different school or you may find that they are put in a different form to you.
If this happens to you, try to make new friends in class and never get involved in saying unkind things about old friends behind their backs and avoid being with people that do.
Remember that friendships should be natural and never change the way you look or act to fit in with a new group, true friends will love you for who you are.
Finally, don’t get too hung upon on having just one ‘special’ friend, it is far healthier to have a wide group of friends to spend time with and to rely on when you need support.