Making and keeping good friends is a challenge. Even harder to do is to make strong friendships with people who share your values. Hanging out with people just because “you’ve been friends forever” isn’t healthy if they behave in ways you’re not comfortable with.

One of the best ways to discover new friends who might share your values is to find people who enjoy doing the same things you do - like sports, music, clubs, church and school activities. If you have similar values and life goals, you’re friendship will be more positive and help you achieve your goals, rather than pulling you in another direction.

The best way to start a new friendship is to act like a good friend. Reach out to others, invite them to join you in activities, listen to their thoughts and share your own. Don’t change who you are to suit your friends. Be true to yourself and surround yourself with positive influences.

There are a few questions to ask yourself to see if you’re hanging out with the wrong people:

• Do I feel like a fake?
• Do I feel out of place with these people?
• Am I always trying to meet the approval of others in the group?
• Do I feel like I need to act a certain way to be accepted?
• Does the group discourage me from having other friends?

If the answer to some of these is yes, than you need to consider building friendships that will make you self-confident and positive.

Remember that real friends will like the “real” you. You don’t have to act differently around them to be accepted. Great friendships are a wonderful thing – and you deserve it!