FRIENDSHIP - a relationship of mutual affection between two or more people.
Summer is in full swing and before you know it we will be back into our school routine. No matter if you attend a public or private school or are homeschooled, making and having friends is very important. Sometime, however, it is difficult to make new friends. Hopefully these tips will help you make friends and to be a good friend.
- Know who you want to be friends with. We need to choose our friends wisely. You should choose individuals with similar morals and values and who will be encouraging and help enhance your best character traits.
- Get involved in activities. School, church groups and sports activities are some ways that you can be in the presence of others you might like to be friends with, so get involved.
- Introduce yourself. Sitting alone or standing in the corner will not help you make friends. Go and introduce yourself. A simple introduction can lead to a long friendship. Enlist friends and adults to help with introductions if necessary.
- Work on your conversation skills. Practicing your communications skills can help you be more comfortable. Silent roleplaying can help when you are thinking of fun topics you can talk to others about. Be involved in your conversations.
- Be a good listener. Listen to what is being said. Get to know who you are talking to. Active listening actually makes you a better friend to have. Restate what is said and ask open ended questions (not “yes” “no” ones.)
- Use good body language. Avoid closed body language like crossing your arms and legs. Remember not to invade others’ personal space. Don’t fidget and maintaining eye contact are all very helpful.
- Be positive. Avoid being negative when in a conversation. Positive comments are much more enjoyable to give and receive. When negative issues come up, handle them with care and try to find the positives in them.
- Get together. After you make some new friends, find a time to get together outside the particular event where you met. Get everyone involved in the planning
Making friends can be hard at first, but it will pay off in the end. Don’t forget to include new students in the Dojang in your groups and conversations. Have fun and make life-long friends! Pil Seung!
MORE TO THINK ABOUT:
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will
suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17