Anamaria But, 11F
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.- Anaïs Nin"
I know it can be hard to make friends as a teenager. For many, this can be a great anxiety, especially if you are shy and don't know anyone from your high school. The fear of rejection prevents us from taking action and talking to the people we care about. Our mind starts to create false scenarios that scare us, so we pass every little detail through a negative mental filter. In short, it makes us believe that every gesture we make, and every word we say is wrong and will be harshly judged by others.
However, the reality is different. Not all thoughts represent the true state of being, just as not everything we see is what we think it is the truth. Rationally speaking, we can not know what someone thinks about us if we have never interacted with that person before. The only way we can find this out is to go and talk to them. Thus, from some simple words, stable and healthy friendships can be built.
Psychologists say that adolescence marks an important period in the development of youngsters. Perhaps the most common problem among teenagers is forming friendships with the wrong people.
We see around us how individuals with great potential are dragged down by toxic entourages. The fear of not being liked for who they are pushes many teenagers to do things that don't represent them, just to appear desirable in front of others. On a deeper level, peer pressure can lead to anxiety and depression.
It is sad to feel that you are not accepted, but it is not impossible to change this feeling. The secret is simpler than it seems; you just need a little motivation and courage. It's never too late to make new friends. You can leave your toxic group at any time; the high school period should be full of beautiful memories, so don't waste it with people that don't fulfil your emotional needs.