Question : I am part of the student government of my school, but still feel left out. Everyone else has their own friends except me. Though I am trying but some of the members control others actions and are over involved in it. So what should I do to show my presence as well as make new friends? Teentalker , 16-year-old
Dear Teentalker,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns.
It’s amazing to know that you’re part of the student council of your school. That in itself is a microcosm (or a representation of real life leadership type groups and how they operate) of the outside world and its politics.
Fortunately or unfortunately, when you work in a Council, you may or may not become friends with the people you interact with. It is ideal if you can connect with them and be friends, but for some reason, if you feel like the connection is not happening, then it could be due to a variety of reasons. At such times, I would urge you to think of your value system and become aware of it by working on the tool ‘The Values Worksheet’.
You’re more likely to find happiness and be at peace, if there is a match between your value system and those of the peers you interact with. So, if you feel like you’re not able to get close to them, then maybe it’s time for you to start finding a common ground (or things you have in common with them) and strike a discussion around that. Make sure you at least get along well enough to get your work done as a Council member, but don’t stress or worry so much if you’re not that close, though there is no harm in giving it a try.
Remember, it is possible to have healthy working relationships with people, even if you’re not friends with them. That is how the real world works anyway! So, focus on doing meaningful work and hopefully through that you might be able to establish meaningful relationships with other people and perhaps, even become good friends in the process!
Hope this helps, if you have any other query do connect online for chat between 11am-8pm or drop us an offline message.
Regards,
Expert Teentalk India