By Middle-School Blogger Calum Webster

As a 12 year old in middle school, I have had lots of friendships. Over the years, I have also acquired first-hand experience on how to be a good friend from my own friendships. 

Advice #1: Don’t interrupt your friends when they are talking.

A very important step in a friendship is not interrupting them when they are talking. It shows respect when you are listening, and you can give feedback, but you should wait till they have finished talking before you start. You don’t have to like what they are talking about, but still stay interested in what they are saying. 

Advice #2: You don’t always have to like the same things, and you can have your opinions.

When you guys are talking or texting, it doesn’t matter what you are doing. You don’t have to like what they are talking about or what sport they play. You have to accept they can like what they like, and you can like what you want, too. Everybody has their own opinions, and that’s okay. Also, don’t get in a lot of fights. It is normal to get in one or two. There are many ways you can get in fights. But, when you fight over who’s right or who’s wrong, you have to accept that you can be wrong sometimes.          

Advice #3: Be supportive of your friend in what they decide to do, but also don’t let them do something bad.

You have to be supportive of your friend and cheer them on in what they are doing. But you also have to be careful of what you cheer them on for; perhaps don’t cheer them on if they are doing something bad. You can help your friends out in many ways, like if they are going on a long road trip with you and you are done packing, you can help them pack. Another way you can help your friend out is if they are in a tough time; it won’t hurt to help them when they are having a bad day. Also a real friend should make you feel comfortable and lift you up. A friend should not make you feel uncomfortable; they should make you happy to be their friend.   

Advice #4: You should be in a real friendship because you like them as a person, not because you want something.

You should not be in a friendship with someone because they are popular or have money. You should be their friend for who they are. It is important to have a strong friendship because you like them as a person. 

So, there you have it: be “real” in your friendship; be supportive; still, be an individual; and never interrupt.