Friendships are one of the most important parts of being a teen. They bring joy, comfort and connection during a time when life can feel complicated. Still, sometimes keeping those friendships strong sometimes feels hard — especially if you’re also managing mental health challenges. The good news is that there are real, practical steps you can take to build healthy friendships that last.

• Be honest and communicate openly.

Healthy friendships start with honesty. Being open about your thoughts and feelings helps prevent misunderstandings and builds trust. This can mean:

• Sharing when you’re feeling stressed about school instead of canceling plans without explanation
• Letting a friend know you need some space but still care about them
• Expressing appreciation when your friend supports you

Studies show that strong communication is among the factors linked to deeper, longer-lasting friendships among adolescents. When you’re honest, you give your friends permission to be honest too.

• Show up consistently.

Consistency builds trust. You don’t need to be available 24/7, but being reliable helps friends feel valued. Examples include:

• Responding to texts within a reasonable time
• Following through on plans whenever possible
• Checking in after an important test or sports event

Think of it like watering a plant. Small, steady actions keep the friendship alive.

• Practice empathy.

Empathy means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. Ask yourself, “How might my friend be feeling right now?” This is especially important when your friends are facing challenges like family stress or school pressure.

For instance, if a friend snaps at you, empathy might remind you they could be having a rough day instead of assuming they don’t care. Research shows that empathy is a key factor in strong peer relationships and lower levels of conflict. When you show compassion, you strengthen the connection.

• Respect differences.

Not every friend will share your interests or opinions. Maybe you love playing sports and your best friend prefers theater. That doesn’t mean the friendship can’t thrive. Respecting differences helps friendships grow more balanced and open-minded.

A common misconception is that healthy friendships require doing everything together. In reality, diversity in interests can make your bond stronger, as long as respect is at the center.

• Address conflicts with kindness.

Disagreements happen in every friendship. What matters is how you handle them. Instead of ignoring problems, try these conflict resolution tips:

• Using “I” statements such as, “I felt left out when I wasn’t invited.”
• Staying calm and avoiding blame
• Apologizing sincerely when you’ve hurt someone

Conflict resolution is a life skill. When handled kindly, it can deepen your friendship instead of ending it.

• Support each other’s mental health.

Being there for a friend’s mental health journey is powerful. This could mean listening without judgment, reminding them it’s OK to ask for help or simply checking in with a kind message.

If you notice your friend is struggling more than usual, encourage them to talk with a trusted adult or a mental health professional. Lightfully’s Teen programs focus on helping teens learn coping strategies, build self-confidence and strengthen relationships.

• Celebrate each other.

Celebrating milestones, big and small, adds joy to a friendship. This could mean remembering birthdays, cheering for a teammate or sending a “congrats” text when a friend does well on a project.

Celebrations don’t have to be fancy. A simple compliment can make your friend feel seen and appreciated, which can help friendships last longer.

FAQs about teen friendships

What if my friendships change over time?

That’s completely natural. As you grow, your interests and needs change, and so do your friendships. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.

What if I struggle with social anxiety?

You’re not alone. Starting with small steps, like texting a friend first, can make building connections easier if you have social anxiety. If it feels overwhelming, reaching out for support can help.

Can a friendship be unhealthy?

Yes. If a friend constantly makes you feel bad about yourself, disrespects boundaries or pressures you into things, it may not be a healthy friendship. It’s OK to set limits or step back.

Lightfully Teen is here to help teens build better mental health

Friendships are a vital part of your teen years, but they sometimes feel complicated. By practicing honesty, empathy and kindness, and by celebrating both the highs and lows together, you can create strong bonds that last. If your mental health makes it tough to maintain friendships, know that support is available.

Lightfully’s Teen programs are designed to support you with compassion and care. Learn more about how our evidence-based approach can help you feel more confident in your relationships and yourself.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, talk with your parents or guardian and ask them to reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.