Hey there, it's nearly International Friendship Day (it's on July 30th, but I wanted to get this article out beforehand)!
I want to take a moment to express my happiness for those who have strong friendship connections, but I know that's not the case for everyone, so I hope you'll lend me your ear (metaphorically, of course), as I'd like to share my perspective on this matter :)
Friendships, right? We've all seen those movies where everything seems so perfect and effortless. It's like there's this one best friend who's always there, no matter what. But let's get real, that's not how it goes down in real life, does it? We face all sorts of challenges when it comes to friendships.
Sometimes it feels like we just don't fit in. Maybe we moved away from our old friends, or people around us have changed, or we're dealing with our internal conflicts. It's tough, and it can make us feel like we're the only ones going through this stuff. But guess what? You're not alone, my friend. Lots of people go through friendship troubles, even if they don't always talk about it.
Those movies and media, they've got us fooled. They make it seem like friendships are all rainbows and sunshine. We see characters laughing, sharing secrets, and being there for each other no matter what. But let's be real, those are just scripted stories meant to entertain us. Real friendships are way more complex.
Do you know what's even trickier? When you feel lonely in your struggles because they're not out in the open. You look around, and it seems like everyone else is having a blast with their friends. But trust me, many people are going through their battles behind closed doors. We all wear masks sometimes, especially in places like schools or communities where people put on happy faces. But remember, what you see on the surface isn't always the whole story.
Here's the deal: friendships change. They evolve just like any other relationship. People grow, they change, their interests shift, and their priorities take different paths. It's natural for friendships to have ups and downs. So, don't beat yourself up if things aren't always smooth sailing.
I've struggled with this, and to this day still struggle. But, I am working on some things that are making me feel still valued and included. So, I hope you can try out these tips and see if they work for you. Instead of trying to fit in where I don't feel welcome, I've learned to find others who make me feel valued and heard.
Connect with like-minded individuals.
Try talking to someone in the big group who's more inclusive, rather than trying to get everyone to listen to what you have to say, or being able to hear other people talking.
Take some time for yourself.
Cultivate new connections with different people.
If you feel left out in a big group, plan an activity that encourages bonding through shared experiences. Engage in fun games like "Minute to Win It," tug-of-war, playing in the playground, tag, etc., to strengthen connections.
You gotta do what works for you and your mental health. Because there's no one-size-fits-all solution.
Friendship troubles are just a part of life, but I want you to remember, you're not alone, even if it sometimes feels that way. Those movie friendships we idealize, they're not normal for everyone. So let's break the stigma and talk about our struggles more openly. By doing that, we can create a sense of belonging and let others know they're not alone either.
If this article resonated with you, share it on your social media, please! Let's spread the word and reach more people who might need to hear this message. Because remember, you're awesome, and there are people out there who care about you. Keep going on your journey, and be determined!
So, my friend, let's embrace the messy, ever-changing nature of friendships and support each other along the way. You got this, I believe in YOU!
Want more tips like this?
Check out my book, Uplift Teens Today: Coping Strategies for Mental Health! You can buy it through Amazon or my website, taanvi.us.