Friends

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You are around people every day.

• You see some people a lot:
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Co-workers
• Some are very close to you:
  • Girlfriends and boyfriends
  • Husbands and wives
  • Partners

You know other people, too.

• Some people are not as close to you:
  • Your doctor
  • The person who works at the bank
  • The person who lives next door
• As you get to know people better, they may become your friends.

Why are friends important?

• A friend is someone with whom you can:
  • Talk
  • Have fun
  • Share thoughts and feelings
• Without friends, you may feel lonely or sad.

What do friends do for each other?

• In a healthy friendship, people:
  • Talk and listen to each other
  • Respect each other
  • Work out problems or disagreements

Do you have a healthy friendship?

• Do you like to spend time with your friend?
• Do you feel safe with your friend?
• Do you feel good when you’re with your friend?
• If you said yes to all of these questions… you have a healthy friendship!

Do you have an unhealthy friendship?

• Do you feel sad, angry, or scared around your friend?
• Does your friend say mean things to you?
• Do you feel you have to spend time with your friend?
• If you said yes to any of these questions… you may not have a healthy friendship.

You can get sick or hurt in an unhealthy friendship.

• If you think you have an unhealthy friendship, talk to:
• Another friend you trust
• A counselor
• If a friend hits or hurts you tell someone you trust today!

Making New Friends

• Some people are shy.
• That makes it hard to make new friends.
• Here are some ideas that can help you take the first step.

Step 1: What’s Going On in Your Town?

• There are lots of places nearby where you can make new friends.
• This worksheet will help you explore your community. Fill it out together with friends or your support staff.

Step 2: What do you like to do?

• Make a list of things you like to do.
• Ask someone who knows you well for their ideas, too.
• Where do people go to do these things?
  • A place (like a video arcade or bowling alley)?
  • A club (like a train club, gardening club)?
• That’s where you’ll find people who like the same things as you.

Step 3: Just go do it!

• What will you try first? A club? A new place you haven’t been? A sports event?
• Do you need support - like a ride or help filling out a form? Ask!
• Do you want someone to go with you? Ask!
• Now… just go do it!

Other Places to Meet People

• Ask your support person if there are:
  • People First meetings in your area
  • Dances for people with disabilities at local Recreation Centers or ARCs
  • Activities at local Recreation Centers
  • Volunteer opportunities at local parks, theaters or museums

What if I meet someone I’d like to have as a friend?

• Smile!
• Say your name and ask for theirs.
• Talk about something you enjoy:
  • “This is a great baseball game.”
  • “Have you seen this movie before?”
• Ask questions about the person.
• Before you know it, you have a new friend!

Remember:

• Everyone needs friends
• Everyone deserves healthy friendships
• If your friendship is unhealthy, talk to someone you trust
• If you are being hurt call someone today
• Making new friends is as easy as 1,2,3