find true friends

Why won't they play with me? They never talk about what I want to talk about!
A square peg won't fit into a round hole--a concept sometimes lost when trying to make friends. When a friendship is built on a false pretense (you pretend to like or be something just to get into the group), it's hard find true satisfaction. Here are 3 easy steps to find true friends who like you just the way you are!

1. examine your friendships
Maybe the crowd you're chasing in middle school is into the Twilight series but you just can't seem to get through the first chapter...put the book down. Step away from the book! What do you like--soccer? cooking? gymnastics? Stay true to who you are and hold out for friends with similar interests. They might be right under your nose, just waiting for you to join them!

2. move along
Let go of some of the past so you can grab hold of the future! Maybe you've always been that kid hanging on the fringe of the group. Worse, you're afraid if you let go of the fringe for fear you'll have nothing left to hold onto. Life is a risk. What if you let go only to find the friends you've been wanting all along, friends who like exactly who you are (rather than who you were trying to be)? Have faith in yourself, you can take this step.

3. spread your wings
Here you are, on your own. Now stretch your wings. Sign up for new activities, join clubs, eat at a new table. People are not scary or mean, they are just like you, looking for friends. Be true to yourself and let these new friends get to know the real you. You'll feel better about the connections you're making and they will know the real you.