Homepage > Relationships > Friendships
Who is a good friend?
A good friend is someone who will be there for you in times of need. They will listen and support you during difficult periods, but also enjoy good times with you. A friend is someone you trust that you can turn to for advice.
Making friends
To get the most out of friends you need:
- respect for each other
- to compromise on disagreements and agree that sometimes you both have differences of opinions and move on
- communication. If you can’t always see your friends you can stay in touch by calling, texting, instant messaging and Email.
Long-term friendships
Friendships formed during your teen years may come and go, but some will last into your adult years and even for a lifetime. Tell one of your friends today how much you appreciate them and see how good that makes you both feel.
What is peer pressure?
Have you ever experienced your friends asking you to do something that you don’t want to do? If this is so, then you have experienced peer pressure. You might feel pressure to do as they do, and this may make you feel uncomfortable. You might be pressured to skip school, have sex, smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs. You need to form your own opinions and choose your friends carefully. A good friend will respect your decisions, even if they disagree. Forming your own opinions will make you feel stronger and you will be more respected for doing it.
You might not be ready to have sex, you might hate smoking or not want to drink alcohol or take drugs. You will need to try and form your own opinions - it will be worth it, you will feel stronger and you'll be more respected for doing it.
Help lines
- Samaritans – 0845 7 90 90 90
- Connexions Direct - 080 800 13 2 19, by text on 07766 4 13 2 19, by textphone 08000 968 336
Shy kids
This site has good tips on how to make friends.
BBC Student Life
The BBC's advice site on making friends.
Kidscape
Gives advice on making good friends and avoiding the not-so-good friends.
Kids Health
This website gives you further information about dealing with peer pressure and how to walk away from peer pressure.
Samaritans
You can speak in total confidence with a Samaritan volunteer about anything that is troubling you. They will not judge you and will not try and tell you what to do, but they will try to help you think things through.
Your Comments
Posted - 02:49, 18 Mar 2008
Hi,
Thanks for your comment, I am sure you are not the only one who feels like this, at Connexions we deal with lots of young people with relationship issues. To help with your individual question it sounds like you need someone to talk to. Did you know that you can contact your local connexions centre and speak to a Personal Adviser about friendships. You can get in touch by dropping into a centre, calling or by sending an email. All contact details are on the website under the Connexions Centres Page.
I am sure that other young people in the same position as you will be glad to hear from someone going through the same things so thanks for your comment.
Good Luck
Connexions PA
Posted - 11:35, 08 May 2008
i think my freinds use me for money and that what should i do xx
Posted - 01:38, 13 May 2008
Hi, thanks for your comment. It is important that you and your friends respect each other and if you feel that your friends are using you for money; try to only carry the amount of money that you need for yourself. This way you are unable to lend your friends money or to buy them things. If they really respect you this should not make any difference to your friendship. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to them. You can talk in more detail about your concern confidentially with a Connexions Personal Adviser in your school/college or local Connexions Centre.
Good luck
Connexions PA
Posted - 12:05, 24 Aug 2008
i frequently get really angry, where can i get help for my anger issues
Posted - 10:43, 10 Sep 2008
Hi, thanks for your comment. It is natural for any of us to get angry at times, although the feeling of anger can sometimes be overwhelming and leaves us anxious if we feel it is a bit out of control. There are many things you can do to try to control your anger such as keeping a diary/journal which can help you to express your feelings and find out why you feel so angry. When you feel yourself getting angry – leave the environment you are in (if you can) go for a walk, ride a bike, talk to a friend, sing a song, count to 100 – any activity which may distract your anger from rising. There are some very useful tips on this website which may be helpful. Alternatively, you can visit your local Connexions Centre and speak to an advisor in confidence who may be able to refer you to an organisation that can help you to manage your anger. These organisations have qualified workers who will listen to you and provide support and advice, again, in the strictest confidence. I hope this has been helpful to you and good luck.
Connexions PA
Posted - 12:07, 15 Dec 2009
can ufind me a friend please
Posted - 08:52, 18 Dec 2009
Hi thanks for your comment. Connexions can point you in the direction of local youth groups or activities in your local area. These are great ways to meet new people and make new friends. Try visiting www.essexyounglife.co.uk to search for things to do and places to go. Connexions can’t make people befriend each other but we can give details of different agencies, events and activities you may want to join in with. If you visit your local Connexions Centre a personal adviser can provide details of local groups you may want to join. Good luck, Connexions PA
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Posted - 11:23, 12 Mar 2008
i like my frend, but dey dont respect me. wot shood i do cos theres noone else dat i can befrend?