How to Make Friends with Teens
As an adult, it can be challenging to connect with teenagers. They have their own unique culture and language that can feel foreign to older generations. However, building a relationship with a teenager can be rewarding and enriching. In this article, we’ll give some useful tips for making friends with teens.
What You Can Do to Make Friends with Teens
1. Show Genuine Interest
The key to building any relationship is to show genuine interest in the other person. Teenagers are no different. Ask them about their interests and hobbies, and listen actively to their responses. Even if their interests are different from yours, showing curiosity and openness will help build a connection.
2. Be Open-Minded
As mentioned, teenagers have their own culture and language, which can feel foreign to older generations. It’s essential to be open-minded and willing to learn from them. Avoid being judgmental or dismissive of their interests, even if they seem trivial or silly to you. Remember, what seems important to a teenager might not be the same as what is important to you, and that’s okay.
3. Respect Boundaries
It’s important to respect the boundaries of teenagers. They are at an age where they are trying to assert their independence, and pushing too hard can make them feel uncomfortable. Make sure to give them space and let them lead the conversation and interactions. If they seem uninterested or disengaged, don’t take it personally and give them time to warm up to you.
4. Find Common Ground
Finding common ground is a great way to build a connection with a teenager. Look for things that you both enjoy and use them as a starting point for conversations. It could be a shared love of music, sports, a particular TV show, or even a mobile game. Once you find a common interest, you can build on it. For example, if your teens like mobile gaming, you can also look for an HONOR Magic 5 buy or other gaming phones and try playing together for more understanding meanwhile exploring other areas of overlap.
5. Be Authentic
Teenagers are experts at detecting insincerity, so it’s essential to be authentic in your interactions with them. Avoid trying to act like a different person or showing false interest in things that do not naturally attract you. If you show that you are genuine, teenagers are more likely to trust you and open up to you.
6. Don’t Lecture
It can be tempting to lecture teenagers about the mistakes they made at their age or the things they should be doing differently. However, this approach is unlikely to be effective and can cause them to shut down. Instead, try to offer guidance and advice in a way that is non-judgmental and supportive. Remember, they are at an age where they are trying to assert their independence, and they may not be receptive to being told what to do.
7. Be Patient
Building a relationship with a teenager takes time, so it’s important to be patient. Don’t expect to become best friends overnight. It may take several interactions before they feel comfortable around you. Remember that every person is different, and some may be more guarded or shy than others. Keep trying and be persistent, and eventually, you’ll start to build a rapport.
Conclusion
Connecting with teenagers can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By showing genuine interest, being open-minded, respecting boundaries, finding common ground, being authentic, avoiding lecturing, and being patient, you can build a meaningful relationship with a teenager. Remember, the rewards of making a connection with a teenager can be great, so don’t give up too easily.
