My best friend is so good at making friends and I’m jealous!

Q:

My best friend and I started a new school and she has already made tons of new friends, whereas I’m stuck feeling jealous and insecure. She has blown me off to hang out with her new group and I feel left out. I’m just not that outgoing! I don’t want to seem clingy but I want to tell her how I feel. Help! — Mackenzie, 15

A:

Ugh, we’re sorry you’re going through this, Mackenzie. It’s normal for even the closest friends to also have separate friend groups. What’s not normal is for your best friend to cancel on your plans to hang out with other people. We think you should mention to her that it hurts your feelings. You’re best friends, so it’s important to be honest. Now, as far as you feeling jealous about her new friends, remember that it isn’t a competition! Everyone is different, and just because you’re not as outgoing as she is, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad friend or unworthy of making new, great friendships. Do things your own way and make friends with people you want to spend time with. It has been said a million times before, but friendships are about quality, not quantity, so having a few really loyal, kind friends is better than having a dozen okay ones.