Ms. Ribarich's Guidance Website
Friendship

FRIENDSHIP

What makes someone a good friend?

  • A good friend is always there for you.
  • A good friend is someone who listens.
  • A good friend is someone who likes you for who you are.
  • A good friend is someone you can trust.
  • A good friend is someone who trusts you.
  • A good friend is honest.
  • A good friend encourages you to do and be your best.
  • A good friend is someone who understands you.
  • A good friend is someone who shares with you.
  • A good friend respects your property.
  • A good friend respects your rights.
  • A good friend is fair.
  • A good friend is someone who sticks up for you.
  • A good friend doesn’t try to get you to do things you shouldn’t do.

What kinds of things can hurt a friendship or keep people from making friends?

  • Bragging
  • Name calling
  • Being bossy
  • Teasing
  • Making fun of others
  • Being stuck-up
  • Lying
  • Spreading rumors
  • Stealing
  • Being rude
  • Being sarcastic
  • Ignoring people
  • Making people feel left out
  • Cheating
  • Hitting
  • Being mean
  • Embarrassing people
  • Trying to get people to do things they don’t want to do or shouldn’t do


 

12 Tips for Making Friends

1.  Reach Out.  Don’t always wait for someone else to make the first move.  A simple hi and a smile go a long way.

 

2.  Get involved.  Join clubs that interest you.  Take special classes inside or outside of school.  Be a   volunteer.

 

3.  Let people know that you’re interested in them.  Don’t just talk about yourself; ask questions about them.

 

4.  Be a good listener.  Look at people while they’re talking to you.  Pay attention to what they say.

 

5.  Risk telling people about yourself.  When if feels right, let them in on your interests, your talents, and what’s important to you.

 

6.  Don’t be a showoff.  Not everyone you meet will have your abilities and interests.  (On the other hand, you shouldn’t have to hide them – which you won’t, once you find friends who like and appreciate you.)

 

7.  Be honest.  Tell the truth about yourself, what you believe in, and what you stand for.  When asked for your opinion, be sincere.  Friends appreciate truthfulness in each other.

 

8.  Be kind.  There are times when being tactful is more important than being totally honest.  The truth doesn’t have to hurt.

 

9.  Don’t just use your friends as sounding boards for your problems.  Include them in the good times, too.

 

10.  Do your share of the work.  That’s right, work.  Any relationship takes effort.  Don’t always depend on your friends to make the plans and carry all the weight.

 

11.  Be accepting.  Not all of your friends have to think and act like you do.  (Wouldn’t it be boring if they did?)

 

12.  Learn to recognize the so-called friends you can do without.  Some people get so lonely that they put up with anyone – including friends who aren’t really friends at all.

 

Information obtained from:  Beane, A. (1999). The bully free classroom. Minneapolis, MN:  Free Spirit Publishing Inc.

Handout:

Friendship.doc

Ms. Ribarich
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