Dear Youth 83 - Youth Magazine Staff - July 1983

Youth Magazine Staff

Practical Bible-based answers to the problems of growing up. Question: I have a close friend I like very much. She is bright, polite and lots of fun to be with. The problem is that she has a low opinion of herself and gets quite negative about it. If YOU try to praise her, she just thinks you are saying nice things to make her feel good. How can I help her? Answer: The teenage years can be difficult times. Most teens compare themselves with others and feel inferior. If your friend's feelings are because of these growing pains, then time will cause much of her problem to pass. There are ways you might help her, however. While praise in the form of your opinions about her (such as "I think you're pretty" or "I think you're smart") may do some good, it is not as effective as encouraging her by pointing out her accomplishments (for example. "You made an A on the test. That's great!"). These are facts she cannot refute. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library