Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Friendship Fix: How to Manage Difficulties with Friends
Navigating friendships can be tricky, especially during our teenage years!
If your young person is experiencing some friendship turmoil at the moment, it could be worth discussing some of the below tips with them to support them in navigating these tricky and distressing times.
It's normal to encounter challenges and disagreements with our friends, but it's important to know how to handle these situations in a positive and healthy way. Here are some tips on managing difficulties with friends:
Communication is key: If you're having a problem with a friend, it's important to talk about it openly and honestly. Share your feelings and listen to their perspective as well. Remember, communication is a two-way street.
An effective communication tool is using the sentence…
“I feel…. When you…. Because…. Can I ask…”
Choose your battles: Not every disagreement is worth fighting over. Learn to pick your battles and let go of minor issues. Focus on the bigger picture and the long-term value of your friendship.
Set boundaries: It's okay to establish boundaries in your friendships. Let your friends know what you're comfortable with and what you're not. Respect each other's space and opinions.
Seek support: If you're struggling with a friendship issue, don't be afraid to seek support from a trusted adult or wellbeing. They can provide guidance and help you navigate the situation.
Practice empathy: Put yourself in your friend's shoes and try to understand where they're coming from. Empathy can help you see things from a different perspective and find common ground.
Take a break if needed: Sometimes, it's okay to take a break from a friendship if it's causing you stress or negativity. Give yourself space to reflect and recharge, and come back to the relationship when you're ready.
Remember, friendships are an important part of our lives, but they can also come with challenges. By practicing good communication, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate difficulties with friends in a healthy and positive way.
From the Wellbeing Team (Liv, Leanne, Sarah & Michael)
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Friendship Fix: How to Manage Difficulties with Friends
Navigating friendships can be tricky, especially during our teenage years!
If your young person is experiencing some friendship turmoil at the moment, it could be worth discussing some of the below tips with them to support them in navigating these tricky and distressing times.
It's normal to encounter challenges and disagreements with our friends, but it's important to know how to handle these situations in a positive and healthy way. Here are some tips on managing difficulties with friends:
Communication is key: If you're having a problem with a friend, it's important to talk about it openly and honestly. Share your feelings and listen to their perspective as well. Remember, communication is a two-way street.
An effective communication tool is using the sentence…
“I feel…. When you…. Because…. Can I ask…”
Choose your battles: Not every disagreement is worth fighting over. Learn to pick your battles and let go of minor issues. Focus on the bigger picture and the long-term value of your friendship.
Set boundaries: It's okay to establish boundaries in your friendships. Let your friends know what you're comfortable with and what you're not. Respect each other's space and opinions.
Seek support: If you're struggling with a friendship issue, don't be afraid to seek support from a trusted adult or wellbeing. They can provide guidance and help you navigate the situation.
Practice empathy: Put yourself in your friend's shoes and try to understand where they're coming from. Empathy can help you see things from a different perspective and find common ground.
Take a break if needed: Sometimes, it's okay to take a break from a friendship if it's causing you stress or negativity. Give yourself space to reflect and recharge, and come back to the relationship when you're ready.
Remember, friendships are an important part of our lives, but they can also come with challenges. By practicing good communication, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate difficulties with friends in a healthy and positive way.
From the Wellbeing Team (Liv, Leanne, Sarah & Michael)