Betrayed

What's your question?

I have been having a hard time with my friends lately, I have heard them saying mean things about me and others behind their backs. I don't want to find brand new friends because it seems like everyone already has a set in stone friend group and because when my friends aren't talking bad about people they can be really fun to be around. What should I do?

Mr. Bobcat:

Hi Betrayed!
I'm truly sorry that you are having this challenge, but if your friends are talking behind your back, then they really aren't being true friends. It may seem that everyone has their own friend groups and are all divided, but the truth is that everyone is on the same boat. You could try and talk to your friends about their choices and let them know that it's really making you feel uncomfortable, or you can try and help them think more positively. If they truly are your friends, they will want to help you. I know that making new friends is hard, but it's going to be the best solution. It doesn't hurt to talk to someone new at lunch or someone who doesn't really participate in class. I do know that it can be scary because you don't know what they might think of you, but you're always going to have people leave and people stay. In life, we never lose friends; we just learn who the good ones are. Your friends may not be the people you're going to want to be with because of the emotions they are causing you to have. I want you to know that everyone is looking for new friends to help lift each other up. It does take time to find true friends, but if you be yourself and lift everyone around you up, then the really good people will come around!