Friends

Friends help each other when they are not feeling happy and are there to talk to and have a laugh with. Sometimes friends fall out and this can be upsetting.

Having good friends is great, and friendships can last a whole lifetime. Like all relationships, friendships go through good times and bad times. When your friends are unhappy or you have fallen out with each other, it can be really upsetting and make you sad.

My friend is really unhappy, what can I do to help?

When your friends are feeling sad, it’s natural to want to help them out. If your friend is upset, you can find out how you can help them by reading our advice about helping a friend.

I’ve fallen out with my friend, what can I do?

Sometimes you and your friends may fall out. Everyone has rows with their friends, and usually you make it up again soon. But sometimes the rows are more serious. These can feel terrible. People who were part of your life, whom you relied on, are suddenly not there.

Try talking to your friend and explaining how you feel. If you have hurt them, be prepared to say sorry and find a way to make it better. If you friend really doesn’t want to talk, you could ask a teacher or another adult to speak to them on your behalf and explain how you feel. Sometimes they might just need some time to calm down before you can be friends again.

I don’t have any friends and feel really alone, what can I do?

Some people find it easier to make friends than other people. If you find it hard, it’s not your fault and it’s never too late to learn.

Some things you can do to help you make friends and feel more confident could be:

• Look people in the eye and smile, even if you don’t feel confident. The friendlier you are the easier it’s going to be for them to come back and be nice to you too.
• Get involved in clubs or events at your school and talk to people there.
• Join a team or club after school or at the weekend, to meet more people. It takes a bit of time for anyone to break through and make friends, no matter who you are.

You can call us to talk about how you feel if you are having problems with friends. We can help you find a way to feel better about your situation.