What should we remember from this lesson? Read the key messages below.

We are all unique and all have different personalities and qualities. To feel good about yourself, you should accept your mistakes and believe in your own instincts and talents.

It is important to have good friendships, because it makes you feel good about yourself and boosts your self-esteem. You have fun together, but you can also talk to them when you are feeling bad. You can learn from your friends and get their support!

Characteristics of good friendships are;

• • Being able to forgive
  • Have confidence in each other
  • Honesty
  • Having values, ideas and interests in common
  • Respecting ideas, opinions and decisions of each other, even if you don’t agree.
  • Being there in good and bad moments
  • Listen to each other
  • Have affection and empathy for each other.

Characteristics of an unhealthy friendship are;

• • Gossiping about each other
  • Intimidation
  • Dishonesty
  • Egoism
  • Lack of confidence and trust in each other
  • Lack of respect for each other
  • Violence

Friends can have a negative influence on you, by pressuring you to do things you don’t want to do or you are not ready for. It is important to resist this negative peer-pressure, by being honest to yourself and communicating your opinions clearly to others. You have the right to have your own values and opinions, without conforming them to others.

Even if we are surrounded by good friends, we might have emotional ups and downs sometimes. It is normal to have mood swings during adolescence, because you are looking for your own identity and you don’t know where this is headed. It is important to share your emotions with someone you trust, even if you don’t understand them very well.

You do not only communicate by talking, but also by your facial expressions, body language, listening or exchanging ideas. To be a good communicator, you have to be a good listener. Below you can find some tips on how to have good communication

• • Listen without interrupting.
  • Establish eye contact with the person.
  • Listen to the person without thinking of what you will say next.
  • Empathize with the person as he/she is speaking.
  • Clarify what has been said to make sure you understand.
  • Use “I” statements.
  • Offer possible non-verbal messages such as a smile or a touch.

Click here to know more facts and evidences about your self-image, friends and relationships.

Cultural tip; Did you know that in Kenya it is very normal to hold hands as a sign of deep friendship? This can be between two men, but also between two women. How does that work in Ethiopia?