Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
Sometimes, if you feel uncomfortable or uneasy about something, it’s a sign to look at the situation carefully.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
-
Do your friends also pretend to like other people?
-
Do your friends often say one thing and mean another?
-
Do your friends show their anger or disapproval without speaking directly about it?
-
Do your friends make fun of you in a way that makes you feel bad about yourself?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above, ask yourself whether you want people who do not treat others with respect in your life.
If your friends are kind and respectful to you and to others, it is unlikely that they are only pretending to like you.
It might help to think about your worries and where this feeling of self-doubt comes from. Is it difficult for you to believe that people like you for being yourself? Do you feel like you always have to prove that you deserve their friendship?
It can feel very hard to talk to someone about these feelings, but sharing your worries with others is a good idea.
Remember, true friends make you feel valued. You shouldn’t have to spend your time with them worrying or wondering if they genuinely like you.
This question was answered by Katie Leung Pui-yan, a practising child and family therapist and partner at Therapy Partners.
