How to Have a Successful Teenage Life

Join a community of people who are just as passionate about their faith as you are! Share your story (that is, how you came to witness Christ) with others and listen to their stories intently. Discuss the gospel with them to deepen your relationship and increase your understanding of Christ. Seek out a mentor from your church or faith-based community center to help guide you and your relationship to Christ. You can even act as a mentor for young children in your faith-based community.

Unfortunately, parents don't understand sometimes (especially if something about your beliefs, style of dress, gender, or sexuality doesn't align with their beliefs and/or ideas). If you're a teen, the good part is that you'll likely be moving out of your house soon anyway—then, you can live your life the way you want. You can try to have an open conversation with them about why their ideas are close-minded (and even hurtful, if that's the case). Be calm, informative, and open in case they have any questions. It might also help to have a friend or family member (one who understands) around to mediate the conversation if things get heated. If being yourself or even bringing up certain topics in your household will lead to a dangerous situation (or if it's led to a dangerous situation in the past), talk to a school counselor or trusted adult about what to do. If you're part of a community center and have supportive people there, go to them for advice or ask them for help if you need it.

School is a great place to make friends as a teen. Approach someone at lunch, between classes, after school, or at school events. Use something you have in common as an opener. For instance, you might say "Hey, I saw that Rolling Stones sticker on your notebook—I'm huge fan too. What's your favorite album?" You can also start up conversation by giving them a compliment. For example, "Your presentation on Kurt Vonnegut today was so funny! 'Bluebeard' is one of my all-time favorites!" Once you're talking, deepen your connection by asking them questions about themselves and sharing a little about you as well. You could ask about their favorite movies, sports, and music. If your both enjoying each other's company, ask if they'd like to sit with you at lunch or meet up to hang out after school. Once you break the ice, the friendship will happen naturally over time. If you're shy or nervous about approaching people, practice doing it in your head a few times. Envision yourself being confident and polite. You can do it! You can also meet people outside of school like at community centers, sporting events, parks, stores, and shopping malls.