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During adolescence your friends become really important as you become more independent from your family. Friends are important for fun and support, and when friendships work they are fantastic.  But what if we find it hard to make friends, or when friendships go wrong?

How can I make friends?

Friends were never made by staying in your room or hiding in a corner, so take your courage in both hands and get out there!

• Talk to people, ask them about themselves
• Be friendly and people are far more likely to be friendly back
• If it doesn’t work out first time, keep trying. And remember, the most fun and interesting people aren’t necessarily the ones in the coolest crowd.

What about when friendships go wrong?

Friendships don’t go smoothly all the time, and the closer you are, the more likely it is that you’ll clash at times. The test of a really strong friendship is how you manage those times.

• See if you can talk to your friend, negotiate and resolve your differences
• If you can do that, your friendship will be deeper and more lasting
• Sometimes, though, with the best will in the world, it’s time to say that a particular friendship comes to the end of its course and it is time to go your separate ways.

You can always talk to one of our Talksafe Counsellors or Peer Mentors for more help.

Links

TheSite: How to be a good mate

Headroom: Friends

Young Adult Health: Friends

Last review: 31/05/11 - Next review: 31/05/13