Navigating friendships

1. How do you make new friends?

Start with a smile and introduce yourself. A simple "Hi, I’m [your name]" can open the door to conversation. People appreciate when someone takes the initiative to start a conversation, and a friendly introduction can set a positive tone. If you're unsure what to say next, try asking a basic question like, "How long have you been part of this club?" to keep the conversation flowing.
Find common ground. Friendships often grow out of shared interests. Pay attention to what others talk about—whether it’s a favorite sport, a book series, or a school subject—and use that as a conversation starter. Saying something like, "I noticed you like soccer. Do you play for a team?" can help you connect more naturally.
Be patient. Friendships take time to develop. Instead of worrying about making a best friend immediately, focus on being friendly and open to conversations. The more you interact with people, the more likely you’ll find someone you naturally click with.
Take part in group activities or events. Joining in on group activities (sports, study sessions, etc.) gives you an organic way to meet people and find common ground. It takes the pressure off having to start a conversation on your own, allowing connections to form more naturally.

2. What do you do if you and a friend have a disagreement?

Listen to their point of view. Before jumping to conclusions, take a moment to hear why your friend prefers their activity. They might have a good reason, and understanding their perspective shows that you respect their feelings. You can say, "I get that you really want to do this. Can you tell me why it’s important to you?"
Find a compromise. Instead of insisting on your choice, try to find a middle ground. Maybe you can take turns—doing their activity this time and yours next time—or find a completely different activity that you both enjoy. A compromise ensures that both of you feel heard and valued.
Stay calm and kind. A small disagreement shouldn’t ruin a friendship. Even if you don’t reach an agreement, show that you still value your friend by saying something reassuring like, "Even if we don’t agree today, I still appreciate spending time with you."
Be open to feedback. Sometimes, your friend may have valid concerns about the disagreement. Listen to their feedback and be willing to reflect on how you can handle similar situations better in the future.

3. How do you know if someone is a good friend?

Notice how they make you feel. A good friend should uplift and support you. If you feel comfortable being yourself around them and they encourage you in difficult times, that’s a sign of a positive friendship. If, on the other hand, you feel judged or pressured, it might be worth reconsidering the friendship.
Look for consistency. A good friend is reliable, meaning they are kind and supportive over time, not just when it’s convenient for them. Pay attention to whether they keep their promises, show up when you need them, and treat you with respect in all situations.
Appreciate the little things. True friendship isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s also about small, everyday acts of kindness. Whether it’s saving you a seat, remembering your favorite snack, or checking in when you’re feeling down, these small actions reveal a lot about a person’s character.
Observe how they handle conflicts. A good friend should be able to disagree or face challenges without turning against you. They should communicate their feelings openly, even when it’s uncomfortable, and work with you to resolve issues.

4. What do you do if a classmate says something mean to you?

Stay calm and avoid reacting impulsively. It’s natural to feel angry or hurt, but responding with anger can make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and think before you act. Instead of lashing out, remind yourself that the rumor does not define you.
Address the rumor directly with the person who started it. If you feel comfortable, calmly approach the person and ask them why they spread the rumor. A statement like, "I heard you said this about me. Can we talk about it?" can sometimes stop false information from spreading further.
Clarify the truth to others if needed. If the rumor is affecting how others see you, it’s okay to address it by simply stating the truth. Saying, "I just wanted to clear something up—what you heard isn’t true," allows you to take control of the situation without escalating it.
Talk to someone you trust. If a rumor or comment is really bothering you, it’s okay to seek advice or talk about it with someone you trust, whether it's a friend, parent, or teacher, who can offer a fresh perspective.

5. How do you include others in a group?

Invite them to join you. A simple gesture like saying, "Want to sit with us?" can make a huge impact. Many people feel nervous about joining a new group, so your invitation could be the encouragement they need.
Ask questions to get to know them. Sometimes, new people may feel shy or unsure about what to say. Asking them about their interests, where they moved from, or their favorite subjects can help ease them into the conversation.
Be welcoming. Your tone and body language matter. Smile, make eye contact, and actively listen when they speak. Small efforts like this can help them feel more comfortable and included in the group.
Notice if someone seems isolated. Sometimes people might not speak up or join the group on their own, so it’s important to actively look for opportunities to include those who might feel left out, whether they are sitting alone or seem hesitant to join the group.

6. How do you know when it’s time to apologise?

Acknowledge what happened. The first step in a sincere apology is recognizing what you did. If you interrupted someone, you might say, "I’m sorry for cutting you off—I didn’t mean to." If you hurt someone’s feelings, try to acknowledge their emotions: "I realize what I said upset you, and I’m really sorry." Acknowledging the mistake shows that you understand why the other person might be upset and that you take responsibility for your actions.
Be sincere. A real apology isn’t just about saying the words—it’s about truly meaning them. Avoid saying things like, "I’m sorry if you felt that way," which can make it seem like you aren’t really accepting responsibility. Instead, express genuine regret and let them know you want to make things right: "I didn’t realize how that came across, and I feel bad about it. I’ll be more careful next time."
Learn from it. A good apology doesn’t just repair the situation in the moment; it also helps prevent future issues. Reflect on what happened and consider how you can avoid making the same mistake again. If you interrupted someone, practice waiting for pauses in conversation. If you hurt a friend’s feelings, think about how you can be more mindful of your words. Showing that you’re willing to grow from the experience strengthens trust in your friendships.
Give the other person time to process. Sometimes, after apologising, the other person might need time to cool down or reflect on the situation. Don’t pressure them to forgive you immediately, and be understanding if they need space.

7. What do you do if a friend is upset?

Start with a gentle question. Instead of pressuring them to talk, ease into the conversation. Say something like, "I noticed you’ve been quiet today. Is everything okay?" This lets them know you care without making them feel like they have to share if they’re not ready. Sometimes, just knowing someone is paying attention can be comforting.
Show understanding. If they do choose to share, listen without interrupting or offering solutions too quickly. Sometimes, people just need someone to hear them out. You could say, "That sounds really tough. I’m here for you," to reassure them that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.
Encourage them to join in. If they don’t feel like talking, inviting them to do a lighthearted activity together can help lift their spirits. Say, "Would you like to join us? It might help take your mind off things for a bit." Even if they decline, the gesture shows you care and are willing to support them however they need.
Offer practical support. If your friend is upset about something specific, offer to help with the situation if you can, whether it’s helping with a task or giving them the chance to talk things out in a more private setting.

8. What do you do if you feel embarrassed?

Laugh along. If people are laughing at something you said by mistake, try not to take it too seriously. Instead, join in and say, "Well, that didn’t come out the way I meant it!" Laughing with others rather than feeling embarrassed can turn the moment into something lighthearted rather than uncomfortable.
Clarify your point. If what you said was misunderstood, take a moment to explain what you actually meant. You could say, "I realize that sounded funny, but what I was trying to say is..." This helps clear up confusion and can make you feel more in control of the situation.
Shift the focus. If you want to move on from the moment, redirect the conversation by asking someone else a question or bringing up a new topic. This can help ease any lingering embarrassment and keep the conversation flowing in a positive direction.
Shift your mindset. Instead of focusing on the embarrassment, try to see it as a funny or memorable moment. People are often more forgiving and understanding than you might think, and seeing the humor in it can help you relax.

9. How do you talk to someone new?

Use openers. Having a few conversation starters ready can help break the ice. Try asking questions like, "What brings you here?" or "What do you like to do for fun?" Open-ended questions encourage the other person to share more about themselves and keep the conversation going.
Be curious. Show genuine interest in the other person by listening to their answers and asking follow-up questions. If they mention a hobby, ask how they got into it. If they talk about a trip, ask what their favorite part was. People enjoy talking to those who make them feel heard.
Be yourself. There’s no need to impress anyone—just relax and let your personality shine. The best connections happen when you’re being genuine. Confidence comes from being comfortable with who you are, so trust that your natural friendliness is enough to create a great conversation.
Look for non-verbal cues. Pay attention to the body language of the person you’re talking to. If they’re making eye contact, smiling, or leaning in, it’s a good sign that they’re interested and engaged in the conversation.

10. How do you share with others?

Offer what you can. Even if you don’t have much, a small gesture of generosity can make someone’s day. If you have a snack, you can say, "Would you like some? I have enough to share!" This shows kindness and consideration for others. Sharing doesn’t have to be about material things; it can also be about sharing time, attention, or experiences.
Think about how you’d feel. Empathy is a big part of building strong friendships. If you were in their position, wouldn’t you appreciate the kindness? Remembering this can make it easier to share without hesitation. Saying something like, "I know I’d be happy if someone shared with me!" can reinforce the importance of generosity.
Enjoy the moment. Sharing often makes experiences more enjoyable. Whether it’s splitting a snack, letting someone borrow a book, or including them in a fun activity, sharing brings people closer. Instead of seeing it as giving something up, see it as a way to create a positive connection with someone else.
Be mindful of timing. If someone else seems to need something more than you do, like food or attention, consider giving it to them even if you’re not in the mood to share. Timing your generosity can make your actions feel even more meaningful.