Communicating well with friends and partners is important, but it can sometimes be hard. Answer these questions to test your own communication skills!
1. A healthy way to show that you are listening to someone is to:
- Rephrase what your friend said back to them.
- Look the person in the eye when they are speaking.
- Wait until the other person has finished speaking before you say something.
- All of the above
Developing good listening skills is very important for all relationships. One way to show another person that you are listening is by repeating what they said so that you do not misunderstand him/her. Looking at the person when you they are talking to you and not interrupting the other person are also ways to show you are listening.
2. If you want to talk with your friend about something private, the best way to do this is:
- Demand to speak with your friend immediately when he or she is in a big group of people.
- Find your friend when he/she is alone so you can talk privately together.
- Don’t say anything because it’s better to hold your feelings inside.
- Stop talking to your friend until he/she asks what’s wrong.
Developing good listening skills is very important for all relationships. One way to show another person that you are listening is by repeating what they said so that you do not misunderstand him/her. Looking at the person when you they are talking to you and not interrupting the other person are also ways to show you are listening.
3. A healthy way to express your hurt feelings is by saying:
- “You make me mad when you do that.”
- “I hate you when you don’t do what I want.”
- “I feel upset when you do that.”
- “You should know what I’m feeling.”
A good way to express your feelings is by using “I statements.” Saying your feelings this way helps you to be direct, honest, and positive, instead of blaming others. In order to have a healthy relationship, you need to tell people how you are feeling. No one can read your mind, even if they are really close to you! Try using statements such as: “I feel _________ (mad, sad, upset) when you do not listen to me.”
4. If you and a good friend are having an argument that you can’t seem to work out, you should:
- Tell your friend that you won’t talk to them until they say you’re right.
- Talk behind their back with all your other friends.
- Ask a trusted adult for help.
- Storm out of the room and slam the door behind you.
Sometimes you may find that an argument is getting nowhere and you and your friend may need help from a trusted adult. Talk with someone who will not take sides so they can listen to what you both have to say. You may find that sitting down together with an adult will help you to organize your thoughts so you can work things out.
5. If you and a good friend are going through a tough time, it might help you to:
- Ignore your friend and spend all your time with other people.
- Blame all the problems on yourself.
- Stop listening to what the other person has to say.
- Remember that you care about each other and try to listen extra hard to each other.
Even in healthy relationships, people disagree and argue. Difficult times may eventually pass if you are able to talk about your feelings with one another. Healthy relationships take time and energy.
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