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Results for 04/17/2007 to 05/03/2007
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Last week, Queit Girl 24/7 said:
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"Quiet Girl at School
At school people make fun of me because I'm quiet and different. I try to make friends, but I can't because I'm always quiet. What should I do to make people in school like me?"
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Do you need advice on an issue? Other SmartGirls can
help! Submit your issue to SmartGirl.
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268 SmartGirls replied:
| 18% |
It can be sort of hard to make friends when you are quiet, so it is important to try and connect with people that have similar interests as you! Try joining a club, sports team, or after-school activity that you enjoy. If you are in an organized group setting, you'll be more motivated to talk with other people and make friends! Try taking it slow; at a group meeting talk with one person each time that you haven't spoken to before. |
| 1% |
Talk to an adult if the teasing gets to be too much. It's very overwhelming to go up against bullies, and it might make things better if you talk to your teacher or someone you feel comfortable talking with at school. Also, talking to a member in your family can be helpful since they know you well! |
| 15% |
Remember that everyone has different insecurities, and that you are not alone in feeling like an outsider. If you see another girl or boy that is also shy, try talking to that person. Not only will they probably appreciate the gesture, you will most probably feel comfortable talking to that person because they are similar to you. Making friends can be scary and stressful, but it can also lead to great new friendships that will help you come out of your shell! |
| 15% |
Try everyday to raise your hand in class, talk in group discussions, or chat with someone in between classes. If you try and become more outgoing in small steps, it won't feel so overwhelming. Once you start to open up a little bit more, the other kids at school will hopefully realize there is nothing to make fun of anymore and they will stop! And they will also see how wonderful you are and you will be able to make some new friends. |
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51% gave other responses. Some SmartGirls said:
Be nice to everyone regardless of how snotty they are. People will notice. Maybe they'll change their mind about you. This is a great time to find out who your true friends are and who isn't worth the trouble. Just take it slow. Look and see if there is someone you think would be a cool person to become friends with, and if you get a chance to say hi or wave, go ahead and try. Also, get involved in more activities. Its a great way to meet people, plus you cant get involved in different fun things. Honey, it doesn't matter how the world perceives you, only your opinion should matter. It is hard for people to accept "unique characters" in this world. Just because you're different doesn't mean you're not the same. Think about it. People relate to the common factors, so dig deep inside and find the common factor - what relates you to them. Do not feel inferior to them. Relate to them. Remember just because you're different doesn't mean you're not the same. Think about it. Although you may be quiet it's important to understand that you will never be the only one! The teasing isn't gonna help but try making friends with someone like you. You may find that hard and so would I, but you might not have even noticed them yet!! I don't think that you should try to make people like you, just be yourself and be proud of it. You are you and only you, just as everyone is themselves and if they don't respect that, then what is the point of trying to fit in with them? I am just like you and I have a few close friends who I plucked up the courage to speak to! Good luck!
Thanks to all of you that gave your advice! Please give your
advice for this week's issue.
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users who have responded to last week's Issue of the Week. It is not the
opinion of SmartGirl.org or the University of Michigan.
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