Think About It...
Have you ever felt like you disagreed with something your friend said or did, but you were afraid to say anything?
Student Advice
Teacher Advice
- Talk to your friend and use an "I statement" like, "Sometimes I feel like I can't tell you when I disagree with you, because I'm afraid you won't want to be my friend anymore."
- Use an "I statement" like, "I think, as best friends, we should be able to disagree with each other, but stay friends."
- Talk to your friend about how it's impossible for people, even best friends, to agree on everything all the time. When a disagreement does come up, it shouldn't effect your friendship.
- Tell your friend that you appreciate that they're such a close friend that you feel safe when a disagreement arises, knowing that they won't get mad at you or hold a grudge.
Teacher Advice
- If you've used all the conversation-starters my students suggested, and your friend still insists that you must always agree with him or her, start considering finding new friends who are more understanding.
- You should always try talking this out with your friend, and see if you can learn to "agree to disagree", but if your friend continues treating you poorly, they aren't a good friend to have.