Friendships are an important part of life, and they can have a major impact on your overall well-being and happiness. As a teenager, it's especially important to have strong and healthy friendships because they can provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Teens developmentally prioritize their peers so creating strong and healthy friendships as a teenager is critical for well being.
Be a good friend
The first step to creating strong and healthy friendships is to be a good friend yourself. This means being there for your friends when they need support, being honest and trustworthy, and showing kindness and respect. By being a good friend, you can create the foundation for strong and healthy relationships.
Communicate openly and honestly
Effective communication is key to any strong and healthy friendship. Make an effort to openly and honestly communicate with your friends about your feelings, concerns, and boundaries. The DBT Interpersonal Effectiveness module in skills group is the perfect place to learn and practice this!
Respect differences
No two people are exactly alike, and it's important to remember that your friends are their own individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Make an effort to respect your friends' differences and accept them as they are. Also remember that you don’t have to agree with everything your friends do or like. Be your own person!
Set boundaries
Boundaries are important in any relationship, and friendships are no exception. It's important to set boundaries with your friends to protect your own well-being and to show respect for their boundaries as well. Communicate openly and honestly about what you are comfortable with and what you are not, and be sure to respect your friends' boundaries as well.
Take care of yourself
Finally, it's important to take care of yourself in order to have strong and healthy friendships. This means taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being by eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. By taking care of yourself, you will be better able to support your friends and create strong and healthy relationships.
Friendships are an important part of life and can have a major impact on your overall well-being and happiness. By being a good friend, communicating openly and honestly, respecting differences, setting boundaries, and taking care of yourself, you can create strong and healthy friendships as a teenager.