Managing Unhealthy Friendships
- jessicaaqian
- Oct 11, 2024
- 1 min read
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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