Note to Readers: Friendships cause much stress and anxiety for many tweens and teens. I found the middle school years to be particularly challenging for girls. Emotional bullying is everywhere and the lines of friendship are blurred by an effort to be popular or just plain old accepted! I love these positive statement put forth by Blair! Print this out and leave it on your daugters pillow… I know I am.

By Blair Wagner, CPCC, ACC

Resolution #1: I resolve to stand up for myself.

Resolution #2: I resolve to pay attention to which friends feel good to be around and which friends don’t.

Resolution #3: I resolve to walk away from situations I don’t want to be part of.

Resolution #4: I resolve to think about what I want in a friend.

Resolution #5: I resolve to smile at girls who don’t have friends.

Resolution #6: I resolve to be a Positive Active Bystander™ when I see bullying.

Resolution #7: I resolve to practice using a strong voice.

Resolution #8: I resolve to ask for friendship help from a trusted adult when I need it.

Resolution #9: I resolve to be honest with my friends.

Resolution #10: I resolve to trust my gut over what anyone else says.

Resolution #11: I resolve to stand tall.

Resolution #12: I resolve to avoid negative text messages.

Resolution #13: I resolve to do what feels right to me.

Resolution #14: I resolve to try out new friends.

Resolution #15: I resolve to say goodbye to friendships that aren’t healthy for me.

Resolution #16: I resolve to ask questions when I realize I’m making assumptions.

Resolution #17: I resolve to let go of sarcasm.

Resolution #18: I resolve to speak up instead of get revenge.

Resolution #19: I resolve to say how I feel.

Resolution #20: I resolve to respect myself as much as I respect my friends.

Resolution #21: I resolve to look for friends who treat others kindly.

Resolution #22: I resolve to ignore negative gestures.

Resolution #23: I resolve to stick with friends I can trust.

Resolution #24: I resolve to be open to making lots of friends.

Resolution #25: I resolve to avoid gossip and rumors.

Resolution #26: I resolve to stay away from friends who manipulate and use relational aggression.

Resolution #27: I resolve to keep others’ secrets private.

Resolution #28: I resolve to talk to girls who are being given the silent treatment.

Resolution #29: I resolve to never say, “Just kidding.”

Resolution #30: I resolve to be myself.

© 2011 A Way Through, LLC

Author's Bio: 

Female friendship experts Jane Balvanz and Blair Wagner publish A Way Through, LLC’s Guiding Girls ezine. If you’re ready to guide girls in grades K – 8 through painful friendships, get your FREE mini audio workshop and ongoing tips now at www.AWayThrough.com