« ²⁰²³ ᵇˡᵒᵍ » ─── ──── ─── ✩ 1/13 ; a guide to friends ✩ ─── ──── ─── ☇ i n t r o Friends are complicated, but they support you in things your family can't. Here is a guide on friends: what to avoid, what you could do to make friends, how to deal will toxic friends, what to do if you start liking your friend romantically(Ik, ik, but it's happened before), etc. I don't know how long this will be so stay tuned for part two! ☇ i n f o . . . 1. how to make friends: Whether you're new to a school or if you transferred, you always want to have at least 2 friends in school. Why 2? Because in case something happens with your first friend, you'll have another supporter. For example, if they are missing from class a certain day, or you can't contact them because they're out of town, it's always helpful to have another person who you know well so you can ask for help (if you need it.) You can make friends in several different ways but try just to talk to people and open up about yourself. If you are an introvert, like me, and don't want to directly talk to people straight up, try to talk to someone you sit with and just be nice. People will feel drawn to you and will want to be friends with you. Another way to make friends is to join clubs, after-school activities, and group work. Friends come naturally so don't try to force things into working. 2. who to be friends with: You should be friends with someone who supports you and respects you. They should have similar interests and know your boundaries. If they don't respect you, you shouldn't be friends with them. Don't think you can just change how they are with people and don't change who you are with people. You are who you are and don't let other people's judgment change how you act, look, and what you do. You also shouldn't try to change other people. Let them be who they are. 3. toxic friends: Normally, in elementary school, there aren't really toxic people, but once you're in around 5th and 6th grade, they'll always be those 2 - 3 people. You should try to stay away from them and if they bother you, ignore them. Toxic friends aren't god for your mental health and they can affect so many things in your life. Here are some of the dangers/red flags you should avoid: - gaslighting - harmful teasing - lying - apologizing poorly or not apologizing at all - never admitting when they're wrong - always acting like the victim - never changing In general, don't be friends with people who don't make you happy and don't let you be yourself. :) 4. how to deal with toxic friends: It's easier said than done, but if you become friends with a toxic person without knowing, LEAVE THEM! Take action immediately and don't be afraid to get rid of them. If they are the only friend you have, don't be afraid to lose them, they aren't doing any good to you or for you. Isolate yourself from them and talk to someone. It can be another friend, a family member, a teacher, or really anyone you trust. If it doesn't work, confront them. If they don't knowledge your words and don't change, just leave. It's better to be alone than to be with someone who doesn't appreciate who you are. 5. what to do once you have established a friendship and how to keep it healthy (another project coming out on healthy relationships!): Once you have established a friendship, try to build trust and be nice. slowly reveal who you are and what you like and do. You should be comfortable around them and be able to tell them things you don't tell other people. To keep a healthy relationship with them, trust them and make sure they trust you too. Trust is probably the most important thing in a friendship. You should also make sure that you guys always have each other's backs. ☇ o u t r o That's all for today! Comment if there is anything I should add in part 2! As I said, stay tuned for part two! Follow for more! ─── ──── ─── « ˢᵉᵉ ʸᵒᵘ ᵗᵒᵐᵒʳʳᵒʷᵎ » ─── ──── ─── ☾ ☽
