Chapter 1 Learning About You 29
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Let your family and friends have a chance to talk to one another.
Getting to know your family may help your friends relax. They may feel
more at home when they visit you. If your parents know more about your
friends, they will feel better when you go out with your friends.
Sometimes you may invite a person to your home who does not act as
you expected. After the person has left, let your parents know how you feel.
Tell them you are disappointed in this person’s behavior. This shows your
parents you are learning to use good judgment about people. Your parents
like to know you can share your feelings and make wise decisions.
Talking with your parents is important. Confl icts may arise over choices of
good friends. See 1-14. When you and your parents have a good relationship,
you can more easily discuss confl icts. You can help your parents to better
understand your friends. Your parents can let you know about their concerns.
If you have a friend who does not get along with your family, try to
fi nd out why. It could be you are wrong about your friend. Perhaps you
have not tried to help your family understand your friend. Talk and try to
reach an understanding. Respect one another’s opinions.
A
reputation
is what others think of a person. If you are friends with
someone who does not have a good reputation, your family may object.
People do not always see a person the same way. Your family may not see
your friends the way you see them.
You may also think your family unfairly criticizes your friends. This
may be true. Your family, however, may just be trying to help you. Observe
how your friends behave. Are they disrespectful toward others? Do they
Openly communicating with parents when you disagree can help resolve
confl icts and settle misunderstandings.
1-14