I'm lonely at school, how can I make friends?
I've always been a VERY shy person especially when it comes to talking to people I don't really know.
I'm currently studying for my A levels and I have a small group of friends, but...
1. They're not in every day of the week so I'm usually on my own at break and lunchtime. And,
2. Next year all the friend I know are moving to different sixth forms. I know a few people at my sixth form but not really well enough to hang around with them because my convos are usually limited to "Hi. how are you?, what you up to?" then an awkward silence.
I'm really worried that I'm not going to have any friends because I'm too shy and insecure.
What can I do to gain some confidence and make some friends that I can hang out with?
PLEASE help. Thanks :)
Shannon, 17
Slink Anna's mate, who's also called Anna, says:
Hi Shannon,
I think the fact that you're thinking so far ahead about what you're going to do next year is an awesome idea. This way you'll be able to put all your worries to one side as soon as possible, as the last thing you need during your A-Levels is extra stress!
It makes me très sad that you're depressed about this. You're obviously completely lovely and you have a group of friends who totally know this already, so just remember that.
BTW making new friends is a tough thing to do, even for the gobbiest of people (I should know!). Just going up to a random and striking up a conversation can make anyone turn to jelly, so try not to be so hard on yourself.
If you're feeling too shy to start up a conversation with new people, why not recruit your current mates to help you out? I'm sure they wouldn't want you to be left on your lonesome once they're gone.
Please don't stress about your shyness, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being shy, unless it's stopping you doing the things you want to do. Being shy is also something that can ease with time.
It's often easier said than done but sometimes you have to force yourself to take the plunge in situations where speaking to new peeps is involved. It's never as bad as you think. Worst possible scenario is that the people you talk to are unfriendly back, in which case it's blatantly their loss and your gain as who wants to hang out with horrid people?!
Good luck in your A-Levels, I reckon you're going to have a fabulous final year.
Love
Anna xx
Your thoughts:
Making new friends is hard, I've had the same problem once before.
I joined a couple of school clubs, it meant that I could make lots of friends and learn something new. And I did! I've got lots of new friends now so I'm never alone in class and they're all really great. Just be friendly and be yourself!
Good luck xx
Clare, 15
Next week's question:
Recently, me and my guy friend have become very close, and I'd say he was my best friend.
But I love the attention he gives me and I think I've fallen for him.. Quite often, I get signs that he likes me, like he hugs me and stuff, and would like to know who I like..
He used to like me and mentioned that not long ago..
But I'm not sure because he always tells me about other people he likes and he's open to me about his feelings a lot just like a normal friend..
Does he like me or have I fallen in love with our friendship?
Anonymous, 16
Please remember: Our friend chat doesn't come from qualified experts, just our friends, and may not be right for you.
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