Crisis Services Kids Helpline - Buffalo, NY - 24 hour Helpline: 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only! It’s not a substitute for talking to a counselor. So that means that if you are experiencing a crisis right now – meaning you really need to talk to someone or if you are experiencing an emergency – please call the Kids’ Helpline immediately at 716-834-1144, toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400, or dial 911.

It’s hard to make new friends, unless you’re that bubbly, social butterfly that never turns down an invitation to a party and seems to be involved in every event known to man. How then can we as commoners begin to build meaningful friendships?

Developing Meaningful Friendships

First of all you want to become friends with people who share common interests. Drop this fantasy that you have to be friends with the “popular” crowd to be happy. The fact is that with maturity and time you will realize that the friendships that last are the ones you develop as a result of common personalities.

Determine what you look for in a friend, for example kindness, patience, empathy, and a genuine concern for your well being.

Decide what activities you enjoy doing, and where you can meet people with these similar interests.

Another good idea is to offer assistance with things you know you can do well when you see someone struggling. This unselfish attempt to help is a wonderful way to ensure you can be trusted and trust is the cornerstone of any friendship/relationship.

Become involved in new and exciting activities. Trying new things shows you like to have fun and you aren’t afraid to explore what the world has to offer. This is a very attractive quality in terms of developing friendships/relationships. This free spirited behavior often attracts all kinds of people, which will give you an opportunity to broaden your horizons.

Become a good listener. Perhaps you already are, which is wonderful, but be careful that you are not taken advantage of by people who only want to talk and never want to listen. A friendship is a two way street that requires both parties to listen and offer non-judgmental feedback. Learning to “be there” for your friends ensures a commitment of support and is an extremely comforting feeling.

Use good judgment, if your new friendship entails putting yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation back off and say “if you were really my friend, you’d respect me”. If your friend has a lot of problems and you want to help but it’s becoming too demanding or you really don’t know how to help, seek help for them. This indirect way to assist your friend shows that you care but it won’t affect your life in a negative manner. You could either contact Kids’ Helpline at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400, or contact a support system of your friend (i.e. parents, teachers, guidance counselor etc.).

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