You've Got A Friend in SADD

A saying goes, “Show me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” While that saying has its limitations, it shows that the people we surround ourselves with matter greatly. The people in our lives impact our mental health, choices, and beliefs. Like other living things, we need a healthy environment to grow physically and as a person; friends can hinder or support personal growth.

Our friends can influence our beliefs and choices, but most importantly, they often influence how we feel about ourselves. Especially during adolescence, having a support system is essential throughout high school and self-discovery. Healthy friendships can provide stability in today’s ever-changing world; however, sometimes, they can be difficult to distinguish from toxic ones. One of the most important things to know about a healthy friendship is that you’re sure you’re in one.

The main points to consider when evaluating a friendship is how your friend makes you feel, supports you, and treats others. The way you feel when your friend is around can serve as a good indication that you’re in a healthy friendship. If you feel secure, respected, and recharged after spending time with a friend, you likely have a healthy relationship with them. Friends should accept you the way you are and reciprocate the respect you give them. “Friends” that constantly make you doubt yourself, exclude you, or make rude comments, even if they are subtle, aren’t true friends.

How a person supports you and your successes is also something to consider in a friendship too. Friends should acknowledge your accomplishments, support your endeavors, and celebrate you. It doesn’t mean that friends will support every choice, of course. Healthy criticism or advice is vital in a friendship; a friend should be honest with you and demonstrate that they want the best for you. The way your friend treats others is noteworthy. If your friends are constantly rude to others who aren’t their friends or talk about their other “friends” behind their backs, they may do the same to you in the future. It also may create a lack of trust in the friendship later on, and is an issue that should be addressed. Being able to talk about things that upset you whether it's because of that friend or not, is an important sign of a healthy friendship. Communication and understanding are crucial in a healthy friendship or any other relationship. Forming friendships, especially healthy ones, can be difficult and may take time.

One of the best ways to make friends is by doing activities you enjoy and engaging with others who share your interests. For example, clubs at school are an excellent way to start, including SADD clubs. I know I’ve made connections and friends by working within my SADD chapter at school. In other words, almost like Randy Newman’s famous song from Toy Story, you’ve got a friend in SADD. Your fellow SADD members can be friends you take with you throughout life.

As we go through life, friends come and go; sometimes friendships fade or change, and that's part of growth and moving on. Throughout high school, healthy friendships can make the process of balancing classes, extracurriculars, and life easier. Friends can teach us, comfort us, and cheer us on. Having someone you can count on gives you peace; although family is always there, healthy friendships serve as additional support. Friends who appreciate and accept you also help with your self-confidence and self-esteem. How we let others talk to us influences how we perceive ourselves. Surrounding yourself with positive people is essential to your well-being and preserving your mental health.

Be kind to one another and always be a good friend. Happy National Friendship Day SADD Nation!

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