Friendships and relationships
Friendships
Friendships are an important part of your life. Good friends make you feel happy, included and able to be yourself. It’s normal for friendships to change as you get older, and it’s okay to choose the people who make you feel comfortable and respected.
Good friendships should make you feel:
- included
- respected
- listened to
- comfortable being yourself
A friend should never pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do. If someone makes you feel worried, unsafe or uncomfortable, it’s okay to take a step back and talk to someone you trust.
Some useful resources
- Understanding friendship (Health for Teens)
- Five simple tips to make friends (Health for Teens)
- Top tips for making friends (Childline)
- Talking about disability with new people (Scope)
- Making friends - supporting your autistic child (National Autistic Society)
Relationships
As you grow up, you might start exploring different types of relationships. A healthy relationship whether it’s with a partner, someone you like, or someone you care about should always make you feel safe, respected and listened to.
You have the right to set your own boundaries, take things at your own pace, and talk to someone you trust if you’re unsure about anything.
Healthy relationships, romantic or not are built on:
- respect
- trust
- kindness
- feeling safe
You always have the right to:
- say yes or no
- change your mind
- set your own boundaries
- take your time
- ask questions
Nobody should pressure you, rush you, or make you feel guilty. Your feelings matter.