Short messages on Relationships issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain – and most fools do.” – Benjamin Franklin
While occasional disagreements or slight disharmony in a group friendship are typical, if belonging to a group of friends leaves you feeling depressed, anxious or second-guessing yourself a lot of the time, this is a clear sign that the group has ceased to be supportive and may well be harmful to your well-being.
With a good combination of personalities and lots of openness and willingness to forgive and tolerate, a group friendship can be amazing and long-lasting.
Next time that you walk into a room full of new people, assume you all like each other until you’re convinced otherwise.
6+3=9…but so does 5+4. The way you do things is not always the only way to do them. Respect other people’s way of thinking.
“Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions.” – Will Smith
When helping someone through a tough time, your good intentions can overwhelm them. Letting them make decisions, even small ones, can help them reclaim their power.
When someone is going through a difficult life event, the basic functions of life tend to get forgotten. Offer to go on a walk with them, or bring them a meal.
When you admit you don’t know things, people will help. If you pretend to know everything, people will think you don’t need help.
Instead of offering advice, offer actual, practical help – with chores, cleaning, walking the dog. Even doing little things helps make a difference.