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Managing Unhealthy Friendships


Unhealthy Friendships Can Affect Your Sense Of Self And Identity.

What Is Bullying?

It is intentionally causing hurt to someone physically or psychologically, and it usually happens more than once. (e.g., name- calling, mocking, spreading rumours, hitting, extorting money, sending threats, etc.)


How to Cope?

  • Build up your support system

  • Confide in people you feel safe and secure with

  • Reach out to relevant authority figures if the bullying is making you feel physically unsafe

  • Being bullied is not your fault; you do not need to feel guilty for reporting it

  • Stand up for yourself if possible; no one has the right to bully you

  • Avoid or ignore the bully if standing up for yourself makes you uncomfortable


What is Peer Pressure?

Negative peer pressure arises when friends in a group that youbelong to force you to behave or act in a particular way so that you will be accepted. The things that you are pressured to do are usually things that are against your character, preferences, or beliefs (e.g., dress in a certain way; participate in dangerous or risky activities; bullying others).


How to Cope?

  • If you do not feel comfortable about a situation, it is okay to say “no”

  • Remember that you always have a choice

  • Choose your friends carefully, people who share similar values and beliefs

  • There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing friends

  • Everyone has different beliefs, values, and thoughts

  • Get support from a trusted adult


Signs of Toxic Friendship

  • These friends hardly listen when you talk

  • The friendship is not uplifting

  • People who never compliment or encourage you

  • Friends who are often jealous of you

  • They are very competitive

  • They emotionally manipulate you by making you feel bad or guilty


How to Manage Such Friends?

  • Accept that not everything is within your control

  • You are not responsible for your friend’s behaviours

  • Speak up when you feel that you are unjustly treated

  • Reduce contact or end the friendship

  • If you do see them in school, you have the right to not engage in conversations

  • You do not have to be hostile or unfriendly, but you do not need to stop for small talks either

  • If the friendship is extremely negative and affecting you emotionally, you have the right to end this friendship



Written by: Chia Miao Ting | Designed by: Chia Miao Ting | Edited by: Jonathan Kuek

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