Healthy Relationships: Relationships with Friends

Healthy Relationships:

Relationships with Friends

Healthy Relationships	Real Life: Dating Relationships
Real Life: Sibling Relationships	Real Life: Relationships w/ Parents
Real Life: Relationships w/ Friends

"Why should I do what YOU say?"

Friendships can be complicated. One thing that can make any relationship complicated is peer pressure. Peer pressure is when you chose to do something you usually wouldn't do, or you stop doing something that you normally would do because you are worried about what your friends will think. Some friends may pressure you to do something because "everyone else does it," such as making fun of someone. One of the biggest challenges that you may have to face is standing up to a friend.

Here are tips to help you handle a disagreement with a friend:

You always have the right to say "no" to your friend whenever you want to. It is important that you show your friend the same respect when they say no to you.
If you and your friend disagree about something or have an argument, it does not mean that you have an unhealthy relationship. Healthy friendships involve trust and being able to respect each other's differences.
The friends that you make and the relationships you develop will help you learn a lot about yourself. You will find out what things you like to do together but more importantly, you will learn about the kind of friends you want to have and the kind of friend you want to be to others.

Next: Real Life: Dating Relationships

Written by the CYWH and YMH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/27/2010

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