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How to Make Friends After Bullying – Yep, It’s Possible! 🫶
by kabir22
Last post
Saturday
...See more Hey lovely people! 🌟 Okay, let's be real for a second—making friends after being bullied can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. 🩴 It’s tough, and sometimes you wonder if you’ll ever reach the top. But guess what? You can, and you will. I’ve got your back with some tips to help you navigate this journey. Let’s dive in, shall we? 1. Start with Self-Acceptance (You’re Amazing, Period) Easier said than done, right? But honestly, you’ve been through something tough, and you owe yourself a bit of love. Take a moment to look in the mirror and say, “I’m worth knowing. I’m worth loving.” Because you are. Spend time doing the things that make you feel you. Whether it’s reading, painting, or watching that same sitcom for the tenth time—do it unapologetically. 2. Find Your Tribe (Safe Spaces, Anyone?) I’m talking about those places where you walk in, and nobody expects you to be anything other than yourself. Maybe it’s a local book club, a hiking group, or an online community where you can geek out about your favorite show. Shared interests make it so much easier to start conversations without all that pressure of impressing someone. Trust me, finding your tribe makes all the difference. 3. Talk About the Little Things (Big Things Come Later) You don't have to start with a TED Talk about your life. Try simple stuff like, “Hey, do you like pineapple on pizza?” 🍍🍕(And if they say yes, well, you’ve just found someone with impeccable taste.) Building friendships can start with these small, light-hearted conversations. 4. Be Honest (But No Need to Spill the Beans Right Away) It’s okay to let people in, but only when you feel comfortable. You don’t owe anyone your whole story, but sharing bits and pieces when you’re ready can help build real connections. It’s like slowly peeling back layers of an onion… except without the tears (hopefully). 5. Set Boundaries Like a Boss 🛑 Listen, you’ve already been through enough. It’s perfectly fine to have boundaries and to stick to them. If you’re not comfortable talking about something, say so. Real friends will respect that, and if they don’t, well, they’re probably not worth the energy. You deserve people who make you feel safe and respected. 6. Explore the Digital Universe (Making Friends Has Never Been So Wi-Fi Friendly) 📱 Online communities can be a lifesaver when meeting people face-to-face feels like scaling Everest. Whether it’s joining a fandom, gaming group, or a forum for your favorite hobby, there’s a whole world out there ready to welcome you with open arms (or, you know, enthusiastic emojis 🤗). 7. Be Kind, Be Yourself, and Be a Little Weird (Seriously, It’s the Best Combo) The most beautiful friendships are built on authenticity. Don’t hide the parts of yourself that you think are “too much” or “too weird.” Love binge-watching cat videos at 2 a.m.? Great. Enjoy talking to your plants? Awesome. The right people will find your quirks endearing, I promise. 8. Remember That Not Everyone’s a Jerk (I Promise) It’s easy to put up walls when you’ve been hurt, but not everyone’s out to break them down. Some people genuinely want to know the real you. Give them a chance—but keep that protective armor handy, just in case. ⚔️ 9. Patience, Grasshopper 🐛 You’re not going to become best friends with someone overnight, and that’s completely okay. Relationships take time to build. Every time you put yourself out there, even if it’s just a little “hello,” you’re making progress. Celebrate those small wins—they matter more than you think. You’ve Got This! 🌈 You’re more than the stuff you’ve been through. You’re resilient, you’re strong, and there’s a world of potential friends out there just waiting to meet you. So take a deep breath, put on that brave face (even if it’s a little wobbly today), and remember—you’re not alone in this journey. We’ve got your back. 💪 Anyone else got tips, stories, or a good pineapple pizza debate to share? 🍍🍕 Let’s hear them! Your voice matters, and who knows, you might just find a friend right here. 💛 ------------------------- Tagging some so this can be used as reference whenever needed - @Hope @ASilentObserver @MelodyoftheOcean @Heartsandrosesandpaws @SparkyGizmo @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @coolvibes @Boon4U
Friendship Support Automated Taglist!
by tommy
Last post
March 19th
...See more Welcome to the Friendship Support Taglist This thread is an auto-updating list. The list is regularly updated by forum leaders and can be found below. Having issues? Reply below and someone will help you! Why should I join the taglist? ✔ Never miss out on sub-community check-ins, discussions or events ✔ Get tagged and notified by community leaders whenever a new relevant thread has been posted ✔ Become a more active member of the community. What do I need to do? ✅ To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please add me. ❌ To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please remove me. ------------------------- Current taglist as of 9 August 2024 (updated by @tommy) @AnimalLover2006 @Bella20 @braveFig6308 @dapperLunch1747 @daydreammemories @Gettingbettertoday @HarmonyBlossom @LucyGray1799 @Ninahdy @OakSerenity @politePeach9642 @raspberry563 @reginalistener18 @spectacularApricot7089 @tidyCurrent1882 @tommy
Systemic Psychotherapy for Friendship Support
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
January 23rd
...See more Are you interested in improving your relationships, understanding yourself better, and developing new skills? If yes, you may be eligible to participate in our study. What is Systemic Therapy? Systemic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on relationships between people and the patterns of interaction within the systems that impact the well-being of the individuals within the system. Healthy systems are encouraged by seeking balance within the system, as well as working on the roles and relationships involved. What is the Purpose of This Study? The purpose of this study is to explore how systemic psychotherapy-informed growth paths and listener training can help people to achieve personal growth and positive change. We want to understand how participating in the growth path or listener training can affect your relationships, thoughts, behaviour, and feelings, and how your past experiences influence your current patterns, behaviour, and relationships. What Are the Benefits of Participating? By participating in this study, you will: * Learn more about systemic therapy and how it can help you improve your relationships and well-being * Gain insights into your own patterns, behaviour, and feelings, and how they are influenced by your past and present experiences * Develop new skills and techniques * Contribute to research by answering questionnaires How Can You Sign Up? If you are interested in participating in this study, please read the full advertisement and sign-up form here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/siteupdates/SoulfullyAButterflysContentGarden_2136/ResearchParticipationOpportunitySystemicPsychotherapyinformedGrowthPathandListenerTraining_311588/]. We will contact you to confirm your eligibility and provide you with more information. Hurry up, as we have limited time available to participate in this research opportunity!
How to Make Friends After Bullying – Yep, It’s Possible! 🫶
by kabir22
Last post
Saturday
...See more Hey lovely people! 🌟 Okay, let's be real for a second—making friends after being bullied can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. 🩴 It’s tough, and sometimes you wonder if you’ll ever reach the top. But guess what? You can, and you will. I’ve got your back with some tips to help you navigate this journey. Let’s dive in, shall we? 1. Start with Self-Acceptance (You’re Amazing, Period) Easier said than done, right? But honestly, you’ve been through something tough, and you owe yourself a bit of love. Take a moment to look in the mirror and say, “I’m worth knowing. I’m worth loving.” Because you are. Spend time doing the things that make you feel you. Whether it’s reading, painting, or watching that same sitcom for the tenth time—do it unapologetically. 2. Find Your Tribe (Safe Spaces, Anyone?) I’m talking about those places where you walk in, and nobody expects you to be anything other than yourself. Maybe it’s a local book club, a hiking group, or an online community where you can geek out about your favorite show. Shared interests make it so much easier to start conversations without all that pressure of impressing someone. Trust me, finding your tribe makes all the difference. 3. Talk About the Little Things (Big Things Come Later) You don't have to start with a TED Talk about your life. Try simple stuff like, “Hey, do you like pineapple on pizza?” 🍍🍕(And if they say yes, well, you’ve just found someone with impeccable taste.) Building friendships can start with these small, light-hearted conversations. 4. Be Honest (But No Need to Spill the Beans Right Away) It’s okay to let people in, but only when you feel comfortable. You don’t owe anyone your whole story, but sharing bits and pieces when you’re ready can help build real connections. It’s like slowly peeling back layers of an onion… except without the tears (hopefully). 5. Set Boundaries Like a Boss 🛑 Listen, you’ve already been through enough. It’s perfectly fine to have boundaries and to stick to them. If you’re not comfortable talking about something, say so. Real friends will respect that, and if they don’t, well, they’re probably not worth the energy. You deserve people who make you feel safe and respected. 6. Explore the Digital Universe (Making Friends Has Never Been So Wi-Fi Friendly) 📱 Online communities can be a lifesaver when meeting people face-to-face feels like scaling Everest. Whether it’s joining a fandom, gaming group, or a forum for your favorite hobby, there’s a whole world out there ready to welcome you with open arms (or, you know, enthusiastic emojis 🤗). 7. Be Kind, Be Yourself, and Be a Little Weird (Seriously, It’s the Best Combo) The most beautiful friendships are built on authenticity. Don’t hide the parts of yourself that you think are “too much” or “too weird.” Love binge-watching cat videos at 2 a.m.? Great. Enjoy talking to your plants? Awesome. The right people will find your quirks endearing, I promise. 8. Remember That Not Everyone’s a Jerk (I Promise) It’s easy to put up walls when you’ve been hurt, but not everyone’s out to break them down. Some people genuinely want to know the real you. Give them a chance—but keep that protective armor handy, just in case. ⚔️ 9. Patience, Grasshopper 🐛 You’re not going to become best friends with someone overnight, and that’s completely okay. Relationships take time to build. Every time you put yourself out there, even if it’s just a little “hello,” you’re making progress. Celebrate those small wins—they matter more than you think. You’ve Got This! 🌈 You’re more than the stuff you’ve been through. You’re resilient, you’re strong, and there’s a world of potential friends out there just waiting to meet you. So take a deep breath, put on that brave face (even if it’s a little wobbly today), and remember—you’re not alone in this journey. We’ve got your back. 💪 Anyone else got tips, stories, or a good pineapple pizza debate to share? 🍍🍕 Let’s hear them! Your voice matters, and who knows, you might just find a friend right here. 💛 ------------------------- Tagging some so this can be used as reference whenever needed - @Hope @ASilentObserver @MelodyoftheOcean @Heartsandrosesandpaws @SparkyGizmo @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @coolvibes @Boon4U
Trust Issues
by neatVase1234
Last post
November 7th
...See more Hey, I dont know what to do anymore. I have guys trying to be my riend and get close to me but I'm scared to let anyone in anymore. My last boyriend cheated on me and is acting like he wants me back and i still love him and i just dont know what to do anymore. I'm on the basketball team but I always eel like all the girls are talking trash behind my back and I dont know how to stop these thoughts. Help?
Navigating Friendship and Solitude: A Personal Reflection
by Mya000
Last post
November 5th
...See more Hello everyone, I wanted to share some reflections drawn from my experiences with friendship and solitude, as I believe this is a topic many of us can relate to. Growing up, I felt immense pressure to conform to societal expectations regarding friendships. The idea that being alone was shameful was deeply ingrained in me through school and media. I often found myself left out, never invited to birthday parties, outings, or sleepovers. I can still recall my classmates sharing stories about their fun weekends while I sat alone, feeling foolish. It seemed that having friends equated to worth, and I felt the sting of failing to maintain any connections. From an early age, I tried my best to integrate into social circles but often felt awkward and out of place. This led to a sense of never quite fitting in. Two particular years in school stand out in my memory. When I switched schools, I entered with high hopes, determined to make friends. I had been told that my shyness was the reason for my lack of friends, so I resolved to approach people and hide my insecurities. However, despite my efforts, I faced rejection, indifference, and even mockery. Not a single person in my class was friendly toward me. I remember sitting at lunch, where the tables were full of laughter and chatter, but I was on the outside looking in. This painful experience crushed my hopes of forming connections, leading me to retreat into my own space. I began to believe that people didn’t like me because I was worthless. In my second year at the same school, I decided to keep to myself, accepting that friendship might not be in the cards for me. Ironically, this decision led to an unexpected change. To my surprise, I began forming friendships effortlessly. That year turned out to be one of the most socially fulfilling of my life. I connected with classmates from the very first days and made more friends than ever before, without much effort at all. What struck me as remarkable was that I hadn’t changed as a person during those few months. The difference lay in the people around me—they were friendly and open to building connections. This experience taught me a crucial lesson: relationships are two-sided. It’s not just about us; it’s also about the person in front of us. This realization helped me shift my perspective on friendships and social dynamics. Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve come to realize that finding individuals who genuinely care about true friendship—beyond mere socializing or gossiping—is quite rare. I’ve naturally formed friendships with only a few people without much effort. Sometimes I initiated the connection, while other times, they reached out to me. It’s important to recognize that building connections is a mutual experience. It’s not solely my responsibility to reach out; others must also invest effort. The friends I have made were genuinely kind and interested in me and in building a friendship. Growing up, I was often told the issue was with me, leaving me unable to imagine anything different. Today, while many may see me as isolated, I no longer feel lonely. My family, pets, and a few friends—who live in different cities and countries, making it rare for us to see one another—provide immense support and connection. Even the neighborhood cats I greet every morning and the birds singing outside my window remind me that I am surrounded by life. I am not alone. Thinking back on my childhood and teenage years, I realize I was lovable. I didn’t fit in for various reasons, including untreated health issues, but had I encountered the right people, I could have formed friendships effortlessly. It was not about me or my worth, despite what everyone said. Thank you for taking the time to read my reflection. I would love to hear your thoughts or experiences on this topic, and if you are feeling lonely, I’m sending you all my love and support 🫶
Looking For Friends
by limeMoon5298
Last post
November 4th
...See more Hi. I'm a 15-year-old high school student living in California looking for someone loyal, honest, funny, and hard-working. Somebody who loves to have fun, you know. Somebody unique and quirky in their way. I'm not looking for some jaded shmuck who'll say a bunch of words to you and contribute NOTHING in a relationship and just browse on their phone all day long.  I love theatre, dance, philosophy, and spirituality! I aspire to be a famous movie star one day, like Marilyn Monroe. I'm also into deep, meaningful conversations that involve critical thinking. I love to go out for walks and move my body, so I prefer an active, spunky individual who doesn't sugarcoat things. I'm also into anime (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure), pop music (Carly Rae Jepsen, Scratch21, Neck Deep, etc), and video games. (Like Street Fighter 2 or Pack'N Bang Bang)
Long Distance Friendships!💛
by Sunisshiningandsoareyou
Last post
November 2nd
...See more Helloo everyone coming across, I hope this post finds you doing well.💛 I feel there's a lot of compassion and tips to around managing "long distance relationships" which are difficult, of course, but something I find less-talked-about and something that is deserving of more importance are our long-distance-friendships.  Such is adult-hood at times and life getting all lifey, leading us to move farther from our friend(s), people leave and shift to different places for xyz different reasons, for studies, work, better opportunities, circumstances in life etc and it can be an incredibly daunting experience "leaving people behind" or "being the one who's left behind", a lot of these friendships sort of dwindle away with time and gaps in communication or emotional distance along with the physical distance, but there's just some of these friendships and some of these super special people that we want to hold dearly still and try our best to have them in our life, despite the distance, and soooo say hello to the concept of long distance friendship hehe.  Ooh and even the online friendships can be included here, people we haven't met in-person, but still vibe with and find some solace in their presence over the online-medium.💛 Opening space for some reflection and sharing support with one another.💛 Feel free to answer any and all that you feel comfortable with- 💛 Do you have any long distance friends? How do you feel about staying friends despite the distance between y'all?  💛 If at all any, what are your usual struggles in your long-distance friendship? How do you navigate those? 💛 What keeps you and your long distant friend connected still? What are the little ways in which you manage to keep the bond alive? 💛 Any tips to nurture healthy, loving, long-term friendships even through the distance? Would love to hear from you and here's hoping we can all foster a mutually supportive and empathetic space here!💛
Looking for friends
by blueberry0717
Last post
October 29th
...See more I don't really have many people to talk to and find myself too anxious to pop in and out of chat rooms trying to make them. Everyone needs someone talk to the various things we're going through, right? I recently cut off a lot of toxic people in my life and that has narrowed my social circle significantly... that, and since i suffered from severe social anxiety for a long time, i kind of lost a lot of the connections that I used to have. If you'd be interested in talking, lmk! :) Otherwise if you have some advice about making friends in general I would appreciate it so much, especially as someone who has recently moved to a new place and has a more or less reserved constitution.
To my members
by compassionateIceCream7468
Last post
October 18th
...See more My dear friends, @wittyYard690 @Gigiminajj @aashleiB @KiminoSuizouwoTabetai @braveMoon6610 @SyriusSystem @peachVillage228 @adaptableShip3237 @adaptableShip3237 Hiii guys,  As am writing you this, I just turned 18. So that means I can't listen to teens right now : (( . All our conversations were taken from me so it's really beyond my power ! I want you all to know that I really had fun talking to you guys and wish you all the best really!! Hope u guys understand and am really sorry that I can't do anything about this :")) 
Too much going on at one time. Lost ig??
by smokingmonkey557
Last post
October 18th
...See more Too much going on at 1 time. Lost ***?? (Sorry for bad english or typos, im not a native. alot of reading so if anyone wants to read know that. It is kind of my life story so it will be long. I wanted to include everything but my fingers are giving up now so good luck haha.) hello, i will not take your time and just get straight to the point. Im accually at the lowest point in my life i think (i dont have self harm or suicidal thoughts so dont worry). Just many things have been stuck on my mind at one time, and i have done a list for you if you want to read it. 1. Social anxiety, or anxiety in general. I have done many not exactly good things in my life. The last one was 3 or 4 years ago when i was just 11/12. I have spoke to a wrong person about someone, next thing i now i got beat up by 20 people at once. Since then every now and then someone even makes up (yes it sounds like im just trying to sa i did nothing wrong, but it its true.) things about me saying something or doing something, just to get me to cry, just to hurt me. I havent engaged in anything in corelation to those people yet thay still want be i think dead. Im constantly looking over my shoulder to see if im safe, im in fear that something will happen to me or my gf for just beeing with me (more in that in 2). I carry a knife, but i want to clarify that i do not intend to harm anyone, or to harm myslef. It is for the purpose of scarring someone away (since in Poland where i live thats rare to se someone with a knife). When im with friends i am scarred to go out of my home, i rather being in another city just to sit at a park then staying in this city that i live in. Moving out isnt possible due to family reasons. I know this isnt going to end since i have basically no one to help me, and i cannot deal with 20 people or so myself.  2. Wrong time, wrong people, wrong love I have been in 5 relationships, and im currently in my fifth. The thing is, that it is a long dinstace, since she lives at the other side of the country. We see eachother one time per one or 2 weeks. I know that it may sound not that bad comapred to aome other long distance relationships, but the feeling after the other person leaves back to her home, and not seeing her again for a week just to be happy for a moment and then spiraling down into sadness again, is just killing me. I love her but my doubts and lack of emotions (more on that in 3) keep me from being happy with her. Her past isnt perfect but i belive we can work out some situacions to be better people. i have been in many wrong relationships and belived in love too many times, for most of them to end me crying for help. I begin to feel like im un-lovable no more. 3. The lack of emotions short one here, i dont feel nothing, besides fear, anger, sadness and de-realization. Maybe i have founnd comfort in my own pain, dunnno. I try to feel something by ingesting (common in my country) alcohol, but it only dose worse. 4. (OPTIONAL, MUCH TO READ) The "side problems, struggles and being lost) I only have confirmed that i had depression 2 years ago by a mental doctor, but today i feel like it has no only gotten worse, but many more problem arose. Like for example the social anxiety. Besides that i (belive) that i have anger issiues, BPD, addiction, ED, and something along the lines of  not being understood. I wanted to help myself with depression by using substances, the first one was nicotine at the age of 12. It helped me focuse more on myself, understand the flaws and work towards being better (also caffeine). And thats the end of good addictions. A year ago or maybe 1.5 years i have tried to cope with alcohol. It has helped me in the first months, but now i fear that i am addicted to it or will be. If i get the chance to buy alc, i do and drink it in an hour (it is usually like a beer). Now the alcohol dose not help, only breaks the barrier of "not giving a ***" and releases all of the pain and suffering i have gone trough at one time, i just sit there and cry for like 2h non stop. Then we come to weed, about at the begining of this year. I have no intent or doing anything other becouse what i fear the most is ruinning my life with substances. Weed helped a ton, but i dont smoke for about 3 months now since only thing keeping me from alcohol and weed is money. weed is helthier then alcohol and is geniuenly making me feel happy when im with friends. anger issiues are self explainatory. And eating disorder too, i just feel like im to fat ( all the kids in school would make fun of me for that, just like for even existing.), even tho my friends tell me that i am under the recommended weight for my age and height.  5. MAIN PROBLEM (the thing that is too stuck on my mind to the point icant even think of a solution.) I am in a relationship and i think about breaking up just for my sanity. But i have a close friend, he is with my long time girl-best friend. The combination of not finding anyone that would fit into my my type idealy, always feeling unloved and unwanted and seeing that she fits perfectly into my type has led me into secretly loving her. I know basically everything about her, i have been trough her relationships, we usually talk about life and *** for like 3h and i just know that she is understanding the same things the same as me. There are however some things wrong with this. First of all, she is with my best friend and i wouldnt be able to do something like that to him, he is one of my 2 homies and this is not an option to do something like this to him. Secondly, i have with her bestfriend at the begining of this year, which she told me if anything she wouldnt do it becouse of her (i know that becouse while on april fools she wasnt with anyone, same as me, and she wanted to kiss someone like badly. So i said only for a "JOKE" that i want too and if she knows what i mean). We have spent alot of time toghether, and i just cant escape this thought of being with her. If anything she would be the last becouse i have no more energy for relationships. I think im just some type of crazy-*** up guy that even thought about it. Can someone please help me or give me sugestions on what should i do? Thank you for reading this (if anyone is), and i hope someone can just sugest me smth. Love for everyone.
:(
by ricebun
Last post
September 29th
...See more I really wish he'd stop getting mad at me for having other friends. He says the way he treats me is not okay and that he shouldn't feel so jealous and angry at me, yet he continues to do it. I feel like I'm going insane, maybe I'm a bad friend. I feel like everyone would point a finger at me and judge me for lying to him about going to sleep just so I can be alone for some time, because he's always talking to me and gets mad if I don't.
Greenest Flag💚
by Sunisshiningandsoareyou
Last post
September 19th
...See more Hiya everyone.💚 There's so many great qualities to look for in a person and eventually, in a friend. So many basics like a good sense of humor, someone kind, someone empathetic, someone fun to be around, someone caring, someone supportive, someone trustworthy and honest, someone helpful and nice, someone loyal and authentic and so many more. Which makes me wonder, what do most people consider to be the absolute bestest thing/ quality in a friend. What's the greenest flag according to you in a friend?💚
Why am i not sad?
by Gettingbettertoday
Last post
September 4th
...See more This summer my friend. Actually my only friend that I have had for 30 years has ghosted me.  We went to school together, in the past lived together, and up until this year saw weekly.  There is one thing bothering me about this is that it is not bothering me. For some reason I don't care one way or another. I know I should or at least a normal person would but it turns out i am far from normal in this respect. 
52 introvert needing to connect
by Roo2CQ
Last post
August 31st
...See more Connecting is a challenge in my location. Looking online today as the walls close in. If this is a positive platform I'll be breathing a sigh and smiling.

Friendship Support


Welcome to Friendship Support! Friendship is a wonderful thing and here is a place you can celebrate it. Whether you want to share your successful friendships or discuss the relationships which aren’t going so well, this is the place for you. We are a relatively new community so please do not hesitate to reach out to a leader if you have any suggestions or feedback.


What are the different forum topics for Friendship Support?

Community Space: A place for introductions, icebreakers, games, community check-ins and discussions.

Friendship: A place for you to discuss all things related to friendships.


How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable). Check-in with us, join a discussion, or start one! Alternatively, you can join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.


Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our tag list to be notified whenever there is a new discussion or update within the community!


Friendship Support FAQ

Q: Are there any sub-community-specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

A: You can find Sub-community-specific guidelines below, which you should follow in addition to the general forum guidelines.


Help! I still have a question! 

If you need help, feel free to contact a community leader or post here, and someone will contact you!