Friendship Changes
Is it normal for friends to develop new interests and make new friends as they grow up?
Yes! People grow and change. Friendships can change, too.
Your friend celebrates your success instead of getting jealous. Healthy or unhealthy?
Healthy! A supportive friend wants you to succeed.
True or false: Good friends are allowed to say no to each other.
True! Respecting each other's choices is part of a healthy friendship.
What is one way to show a friend you are listening?
Make appropriate eye contact, avoid interrupting, ask questions, or summarize what she said.
Name one place where you could meet new friends in high school.
A club, sports team, class, performing arts group, student organization, or other school activity.
Your best friend starts hanging out with a different group. Does this automatically mean she no longer cares about you?
No. She can have other friendships while still caring about you.
Your friend gets upset whenever you talk to someone else and says you cannot have other friends. Healthy or unhealthy?
Unhealthy. A friend should not control your other relationships.
Your friend wants you to share your phone password, but you are uncomfortable. What can you say?
'I care about our friendship, but I want to keep my password private.'
Complete the sentence: 'I feel ___ when ___ because ___.' What communication skill is this?
An 'I statement.' It helps you express feelings without blaming the other person.
True or false: You must stay friends with someone just because you have known her for years.
False! You can value your history with someone while recognizing that a friendship may change.
You and a close friend have less in common than you used to. What is one healthy way to handle this?
Talk honestly, explore new interests, and allow the friendship to change naturally.
Your friend makes a hurtful joke, apologizes, and tries not to repeat it. What does this tell you?
The friend is taking responsibility. Apologizing and changing behavior can help repair a friendship.
Your friend keeps texting while you are trying to finish homework. Name one boundary you can set.
'I need to finish my homework. I'll text you when I'm done.'
Your friend did not invite you to a party. What is one respectful way to ask about it?
'I felt left out when I heard about the party. Can we talk about what happened?'
You are nervous about sitting with new people at lunch in high school. What is one small step you could take?
Smile, introduce yourself, ask to sit with someone, or start a conversation about a shared class or interest.
You feel sad because a friendship is changing as you prepare for high school. Name two healthy ways to cope.
Talk to someone you trust, make new connections, journal, practice self-care, or allow yourself to feel sad without forcing the friendship.
A friend repeatedly spreads your secrets and laughs when you tell her it hurts. What should you consider?
This is an unhealthy pattern. Set boundaries, seek support from a trusted adult, and consider stepping away from the friendship.
Your friend threatens to stop talking to you unless you do what she wants. What is a healthy response?
Stand by your boundary, avoid giving in to threats, and ask a trusted adult for help if needed.
You and your friend disagree. What are two things you can do to prevent the disagreement from becoming an argument?
Stay calm, listen to each other, use respectful words, take a break if needed, and focus on solving the problem.
Smile, introduce yourself, ask to sit with someone, or start a conversation about a shared class or interest.
Avoid joining in, treat others respectfully, stick to your values, and look for people whose behavior makes you feel safe and accepted.