How self acceptance affects teenage friendships

Being yourself in a true friendship leads to a feeling of being completely relaxed and comfortable in front of others. You can act and speak without having to worry about rejection or harsh judgement. The absolute key to making friends who you can feel “yourself” with, is to present the true version of yourself in the first place.

Self-acceptance can be a huge challenge. Many young people are still forming their identity. They haven’t yet figured out who they want to be and what’s important to them.  As a parent you can help them with this. See the full article for the free workbook that contains an exercise on values.

Self-acceptance is the courage to live your true self, even if this risks negativity or rejection. This is the most challenging aspect of friendships.

Your child may face a dilemma. Do I present a different image, to avoid being rejected or alone? Or do I present the real me and wait until true friends come along?

If your child feels this way, make sure they know that: – They are not alone. Many young people face (and have faced) this issue and it is extremely common. – They will eventually find their “crew” who accept them for exactly who they are. – People get kinder as they get older. Adolescence is the hardest time for friendships because of changing senses of identity, reshuffling of dynamics, and still-developing moral compasses.

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