Teen无毛视频檚 unexpected loss of friendship not uncommon
Q. My best friend since kindergarten is no longer my friend. I don’t know what I did. She won’t talk to me. What do I do? -13-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: I do wish this wasn’t happening to you, because this experience can be challenging. You are strong enough to get through it. The sad truth is you probably didn’t do anything. People change, especially at 13. Losing friends at this time of life is a lot more common than most people think. Rachel Simmons even wrote a book about it called “Odd Girl Out.” Simmons says relational aggression, which includes dropping a good friend without an explanation, happens often to girls in sixth through eighth grades.
I suggest talking with your parents or your school guidance counselor if your loneliness leads to a sadness you cannot shake, which may lead to depression. Remind yourself you are worthy of a good friend and try not to blame yourself for losing this one.
Making new friends is easiest if we are open to the idea and listen to others. Please read my response to the next question for more hints on making friends. You are a person of worth. Good luck.
Q. We moved from another state, and I thought it would be easier to make friends. My old friends stay in touch with me, but new people seem less interested in me. – 13-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: Making new friends can take time and be discouraging. Please do not give up. Here are some friend-making tips:
Be easy to approach. Smile, look interested in others, listen, Watch your body language. Do you project a positive image? Would someone feel safe and respected around you? Making friends is about thinking of others.
Introduce yourself. I know this is awkward at times. It takes courage to say, “Hi, I’m _____. I’m new here.” Hopefully others will make this easier – the people who welcome you are the ones with whom you should try to connect first.
Start a conversation. We encourage communication skills at the Common Ground Teen Center (more about the center later). The more we practice talking with others the easier it is. Try role playing with a trusted adult. Start talking about favorite things – like favorite movies, games, food, sports or books.
Find common ground. Look for people who have the same interests or hobbies. It’s easier to connect with someone who shares the things you enjoy.
Follow up. Ask for a phone number and connect via text. Continue conversations. Show interest in developing a friendship.
Get involved. The easiest way to make friends is to belong to a group. Join a club, play a sport, join band, make plans with people you know from school. Our Common Ground Teen Center (92 N. Main St. in Washington) is a safe, welcoming space for teens. We offer clubs like Cooking Club, Art Club, Chess Club, Video Games Club, and Anime Club. We’re open from 4 to 8 pm Monday through Friday. The Teen Center is a great place to make friends.
Remember you are a person of worth. You deserve good friends.
Peer Educator Response: For some of us, the Teen Center was the first place we made good friends. Give the center a try. Making friends gets easier after middle school, honest. Come to the center and give yourself a chance to have fun!
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.