How to FriendSample

Have you ever noticed that everyone is constantly staring at their phones? We text, call, Snap, or scroll, distracted continuously from what a face-to-face friendship can look like. It isn't easy to have meaningful conversations with friends and peers. A lot of this has to do with the distractions of our cell phones. Social media can cause us to think that we have chosen a relationship with someone, but that’s not always the case. Having face-to-face interaction with someone can really help you build your relationship with them. Sometimes, I do my best to be the kind of friend who does this. I’ll walk up to my friend and start a conversation even if it’d be easier not to talk. What would happen if you tried this in your friend groups? Doing this shows great leadership skills and initiative. Plus, it’s a way to invest in friendships with people who want to thrive and grow with you. These kind of friendships lead you in the right direction in life. Connecting with your friends in person can really help you and your friends grow as people and can boost your well-being. It is important to choose friends who are willing to talk about life with you. Remember to take the initiative and start conversations when no one else will.

Written by Graham, age 17, from Monroe, GA, USA