Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
Feeling left out is hard. It is also tough to pretend you have friends who eat with you to keep your parents from worrying. Here are some suggestions that could help.
Practise the art of small talk
Small talk is a short, friendly conversation to help you get to know someone. It is also a great way to start a friendship.
You could ask someone about their day, like “Did you watch the football match last weekend?” or talk about the weather, such as “It has been quite cold these past few days.”
When making small talk, remember to:
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Ask open-ended questions. These require more than a yes-or-no response. For instance, rather than asking, “Did you enjoy the drama?” try, “What did you think about the drama?”
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Look at them when they speak. Nod your head, and respond to what they say.
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Share something about yourself. After your classmates have finished speaking, tell them something so they can get to know you too.
Take part in a club or activity
If your school has clubs, sports teams, or after-school activities that you like, you can join one. This is a great way to make friends.
Sit somewhere new
If you always sit in the same spot, consider changing seats. A new location can help you meet different people.
Chat with your teacher and parents
If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to your teacher. They can help you find clubs to join or suggest students who are friendly and easy to talk to. Being honest with your parents could also be helpful, as they can help you find ways to make new friends.
This question was answered by clinical psychologists from Shall We Talk, a mental health initiative under the Department of Health launched with the Advisory Committee on Mental Health.
