Positive vs Negative Friendships
A friend checks in on you after a bad day and respects when you want space. Is this a positive or negative friendship behaviour?
Positive! Checking in and respecting boundaries.
Assertive communication is calm, respectful, and ______.
Clear.
True or false: It is okay to try an I statement again if it did not work the first time.
True. It is okay to try again, as long as it is safe.
What is the first step when a friend uses an I-feel statement? (What kind of speaking / body do we want)
Stay calm.
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
It is when you squeeze a muscle for 5 seconds, then release
A friend pressures you to skip class or break rules. Is this a positive or negative friendship behaviour?
It is a negative friendship behaviour. You should never feel pressured in a friendship to do something you do not want to.
What is the formula for an I-feel statement?
I feel ___ when you ___ I want / need ___.
Name one of the three next steps if assertive communication doesn’t work.
Try again / take space / get support.
Name one mistake people make when trying to listen.
Eye-rolling / interrupting / not paying attention / thinking about something else.
On the 5 point scale, what level do we feel most calm and regulated?
Level 1
What is one positive behaviour we want in a friendship?
Respect
support
honesty
mutual effort
feeling safe being yourself
Which communication style yells or insults others?
Aggressive communication.
Name 3 people we can get support from.
Parents, Teachers, School Staff, Older siblings
Complete the skill: Stay calm, listen without arguing, and ______. (Hint it starts with Ac)
Acknowledge.
False. It can be a fictional place as well, as long as it helps you feel calm and safe.
True or False: We judge the person, not the behaviour.
False (we judge the behaviour).
Which communication style says nothing but feels upset later?
Passive communication.
If a friend pressures you harder after you speak up, what is the safest next step?
Take space or get support.
Which response is a good listener response?
A: “You’re too sensitive.”
B: “I hear you.”
B: “I hear you.”
What does a deep breath help our body do?
Slows heartbeat, gets more oxygen to our brain, allows us to think more clearly
What is one-sided effort?
This negative behaviour happens when only one person is putting effort into the friendship.
Turn this into an assertive statement (I feel):
“A friend keeps teasing you.”
“I feel upset when you tease me. I want you to stop.”
True or False: If assertive communication doesn’t work, it means you did it wrong.
False.
Why is listening important in friendships?
It shows you care and helps resolve conflict.
True. You know yourself best, and have that ability better than anyone.