Teen Time: Be yourself, be a friend

The average human being can make hundreds of friends in a lifetime.
Friends are a big part of our lives, and we will have fun times and hard times with them. Some will be there forever, and others will fade away. You will have millions of encounters with acquaintances, but in the end, you will know who your true friends are.
The dictionary defines “acquaintance” as somebody known slightly, rather than intimately. “Friend” is somebody you trust and are fond of.
You want someone you can do anything and everything with. By the time you have met hundreds of people, you will be able to tell the difference.
I think when you have a handful of friends who you can enjoy yourself with and tell secrets to, you are lucky.
It’s hard to find that handful of perfect, ideal friends you have in your mind, but not impossible. Some people don’t try and are shy when they should be social. It can be a little nerve-wracking to break out of your shell and show people who you are, but I bet any one of you could make a friend at any place and any time, if you’re friendly and outgoing.
Friend Etiquette 101: Introduce yourself and start a conversation. It’s not that hard. Be yourself and tell them about you, and you might make a new friend. And sometimes you won’t have anything in common with someone you meet — but that is part of the whole friendship experience!
Having a friend that you have nothing in common with can open up all sorts of new doors for you with activities, hobbies and sports. The truth is, sometimes a friend can bring out the best of you in a way you didn’t even know existed.
A friendship is like a never-ending present, full of ups and downs that will bring you joy and surprises and let you grow as a person.
You can definitely make a new friend this year if you are willing to either start or finish your first conversation with them. So, this fall, start off fresh and make a new friend.
Olivia Doherty will begin seventh grade at Scotts Valley Middle School next week. She writes an occasional column about issues facing middle school students today. Olivia can be reached through the Press-Banner by e-mailing [email protected].