Reading the Room
You're hanging out with three friends. Two of them start talking about an inside joke you don't understand. You interrupt and ask them to explain it.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: Is it okay to ask? When might interrupting change the situation?
Your friend tells you they're upset with another friend and asks you to stop talking to that person too.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS / PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
Discussion: What does loyalty mean? Can you support someone without taking sides?
You compliment someone by saying, 'You actually look really good today!' They seem offended, even though you meant it positively.
Suggested answer: SHOULDN'T — reconsider the wording
Discussion: How could the word 'actually' change the meaning?
Someone you know from class follows you on social media. You don't know them very well, so you don't follow them back.
Suggested answer: SHOULD / DEPENDS
Discussion: Are you obligated to follow someone back? How might they interpret your decision?
Someone makes a comment that bothers you. Instead of responding immediately, you wait until you're calmer to bring it up.
Suggested answer: SHOULD
Discussion: When might it be important to address something immediately instead?
Your friend asks you to cover for them when they skip class. You tell them you're not comfortable lying but won't get involved unless there's a safety concern.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: What does being a supportive friend look like in this situation?
You're telling a story and notice that one person keeps checking their phone, while another is giving short responses. You continue because you haven't finished your story.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: What might their body language mean? Could there be other explanations?
You notice that you're always the one initiating plans with a friend. You decide to stop reaching out to see if they'll make an effort.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: Is this setting a boundary or testing the friendship? What else could you do?
You notice your friend has been acting differently. You ask several times if something is wrong because you want to help, even after they tell you they're fine.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS / PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
Discussion: When does concern become pressure?
You're invited to hang out with a group of friends. You ask if you can bring another friend who wasn't invited.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: Why might the person organizing the plans feel uncomfortable?
A friend accuses you of something you didn't do. You become frustrated and raise your voice while explaining your side.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: How might raising your voice affect the conversation even if you're telling the truth?
Someone posts an embarrassing video of a classmate. You don't share or comment on it, but you watch it and show it to one close friend.
Suggested answer: SHOULDN'T
Discussion: Does privately sharing harmful content still contribute to the problem?
Your friend tells you they're upset about something. You experienced something similar, so you immediately share your own story to show that you understand.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: When does sharing your experience show empathy, and when might it make someone feel unheard?
Your friend shares something personal with you. A few days later, another friend asks if you know what's going on with them. You say you know but can't share.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: Does saying you know something encourage more questions? How could you respect privacy?
You make a joke about something embarrassing that happened to your friend. They've laughed about it before, so you assume it's okay to bring it up in front of new people.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: Why might the audience change whether the joke is appropriate?
A classmate shares an opinion you strongly disagree with. You challenge their opinion in front of the group because you think they're spreading misinformation.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: When is it appropriate to challenge someone publicly? How does your approach affect the conversation?
You feel like a teacher treats you differently than other students. You decide to discuss your concerns with another trusted staff member instead of confronting the teacher.
Suggested answer: SHOULD / DEPENDS
Discussion: When might involving another adult be helpful?
Your friend is upset because their partner keeps asking to check their phone. You tell them that it's a red flag and they should break up.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: How can you express concern without making someone else's decisions for them?
You're hanging out with a group of friends who are teasing each other. You make a similar joke toward someone who doesn't usually participate in the teasing.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS / PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
Discussion: How do relationships, comfort levels, and social cues affect whether teasing is appropriate?
Your friend makes a joke about you in front of other people. You laugh along but later tell them privately that it bothered you. They respond, 'You laughed, so I thought it was fine.'
Suggested answer: SHOULD — to communicate your feelings
Discussion: Can someone laugh while feeling uncomfortable? How should your friend respond to this new information?
You try to help a classmate who is struggling with an assignment by explaining how to do it. They respond that they don't need your help. You continue explaining because you know they're confused.
Suggested answer: SHOULDN'T
Discussion: How might unsolicited help make someone feel?
You overhear two friends discussing plans for the weekend. They don't invite you, but you ask if you can come along.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: What social cues might help you decide? Is it always inappropriate to ask?
A classmate repeatedly makes sarcastic comments toward you. You respond with sarcasm because you want them to understand how it feels.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS / PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
Discussion: Is matching someone's behavior an effective way to communicate that it bothers you?
You notice a friend has been withdrawing from the group. You ask if they're okay, but they insist nothing is wrong. You decide to give them space while continuing to include them.
Suggested answer: SHOULD / DEPENDS
Discussion: How can you balance respecting privacy with showing concern? When would you seek additional support?
You're in a group conversation and notice one person repeatedly tries to contribute but gets talked over. You interrupt the conversation to point out that no one is letting them speak.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: Could calling attention to the situation embarrass the person? How else could you include them?
Two friends are arguing. One tells you something personal about the other person to convince you they're right. You believe them but aren't sure whether you should confront the other friend.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: What information are you missing? What are the risks of confronting someone based on one person's account?
A friend tells you something you said was hurtful. You don't agree with their interpretation and think they're misunderstanding your intentions. You explain your perspective before apologizing.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS
Discussion: How can you explain your intentions without dismissing their feelings? Does apologizing mean you agree with everything they said?
You're working with a group, and everyone agrees on an idea you think will fail. You explain your concerns, but they still want to move forward. You continue arguing because you believe you're right.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS / PROBABLY SHOULDN'T
Discussion: When should you advocate for your opinion, and when should you accept a group decision?
You apologize to someone for something you said, but they tell you they don't forgive you. You explain that you've apologized and think they should move on.
Suggested answer: SHOULDN'T
Discussion: Does someone have to accept your apology? What does taking accountability look like?
A friend tells you they cheated on an important test. Another student is being accused of cheating on the same test. Your friend asks you not to say anything.
Suggested answer: DEPENDS — strong reason to act
Discussion: How do you balance loyalty, honesty, and fairness? How could you handle this without unnecessarily escalating the situation?