Short messages on Relationships issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
With family conflict, sitting down and talking about the situation may seem stressful. It could ease the situation if they see you are being ‘mature’ and taking the first step. It can also be a great way of sorting through issues and coming to an arrangement that works for all of you.
Your parents or guardians might be worried and stressed about things unrelated to you such as work, relationships or money that can affect how they talk and act with you. They can also feel pressure from expectations from their own parents, family and their community about “being a good parent”.
Having the contact numbers of people like your friend’s doctor could be important if you need to help your friend through a crisis, or if your friend is saying or doing things that worry you about his or her safety.
There might be times when your friend says that he or she isn’t able to hang out because of their illness. It’s important that you respect this and don’t put extra pressure on your friend.
Whatever the cause of issues between your friend and your partner may be, when the dynamics of a close friendship change, it can be hard on everyone involved. If your friendship is strong and you’re willing to communicate and address the issue, then your friend and you will find a way to work things out.
If your best friend expresses concern about your boyfriend/girlfriend, investigate. Take a step back to examine if you’re doing things you wouldn’t normally do which could harm you, and to see if your partner is being honest with you. Your friend may be wrong; try to give them the benefit of the doubt.
If your best friend doesn’t like your boyfriend/girlfriend, approach them separately at a calm time when you can give them your full attention. They may feel hurt that you’ve been spending less time together, or protective towards you. Work together to find a balance.
The three basics of good body language are the smile, eye contact, and the handshake. Smile at someone from the heart when you meet them. Look them in the eye when you speak to them, or when they speak to you. Combine with a good, firm handshake. Keep your body relaxed and posture confident.
When someone is talking to you, be fully engaged and present with them. Block off all judgement, and stop yourself thinking of what you’re going to say. If you’re able to, also listen to the tone of voice, pace of speech, and shift in energy to understand their emotions.
Loneliness can make you feel: unloved and unwanted, socially inadequate, convinced that there is something wrong with you, self-conscious and ill-at-ease with others, and angry and critical of others. Remember you can take action against loneliness, and help others who are feeling the same.