Moving to a new place can be both exciting and a little unsettling, so it's understandable if you're worried about fitting in and making new friends. We've all been there — it's completely normal to feel like that. The best way to find lasting friendships with people who care about you is to just be yourself, so don't be afraid to let your new friends get to know the real you.
One of the best ways to have good friends is to be a good friend first — it may be one of the best things you ever do. A close circle of friends can help you feel like you belong in your new place. Here are a few tips for being a good friend:
- Be a good listener. Show people that you care about their interests and feelings by truly listening to them.
- Be yourself. You shouldn't have to pretend to be someone you aren't. True friends will accept you for who you are.
- Let your friends be themselves, too. Acceptance is a two-way street. Being a good friend means accepting your friends for who they are and treating them with respect.
- Be positive. Positive attitudes are contagious, and people like to be around people who are uplifting.
- Avoid judging quickly. Get to know people before deciding whether or not you want to be their friend.
- Don't spread gossip and rumors. For teenagers, gossip can seem almost impossible to avoid. Do your best to rise above the rumors and resist taking part in hurtful conversations.
- Get involved. Friendships are often built on common interests, so consider joining clubs at school or taking part in activities on your installation to meet people with similar interests.
- Be patient. Building friendships takes time, but it's worth it. You might not instantly have a whole new set of friends, and that's OK. True friendships grow in time.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and show the people in your new town what a great friend you are.