Friends Share Interests
Friends don’t have to like all of the same things. BUT it helps if there is something you both like.
Vanessa and Jaclyn - Introductions
Vanessa and Jaclyn introduce themselves and talk about their friendship. They take turns talking. Neither of them tries to talk for the other person. We learn that they have known each other for several years ago. They live close to each other and often get together. They enjoy watching sports together at Jaclyn’s house and they share other interests.
Download TranscriptHere are a few examples of interests to share:
- cheering for a sports team
- going for walks
- acting in a drama group
- listening to music
- playing sports
- watching movies
- playing cards
- belonging to a club or group
Having similar interests with a friend is good because:
- It is more fun to be together if you share an interest.
- It gives you something to talk about. It is a way to get to know each other.
- It gives you a chance to learn something new about something you like.
- If you find conversation difficult, doing an activity together makes hanging out easier.
- It can help your friendship last longer.
Salad-Making
Cooking or baking together with a friend can be a lot of fun. Adam and Ryan enjoy preparing lunch together for their friends in the ABLE Network—a program that they both belong to. They make a very nice salad as part of the lunch.
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Music Brings People Together
Jaclyn wanted to learn guitar. She already had learned some chords from her mom. Then she met Mary. Mary could play the guitar and she knew some of the songs that Jaclyn wanted to learn. She asked Mary to help her learn more chords. Learning to play guitar together brought Mary and Jaclyn closer. Music is a special way to share time.
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Common and Different Interests
It is good to share interests. But you and your friend do not need to be exactly the same. One survey respondent told us: “One of my longest friendships started in elementary school and was maintained by common interests and loyalty. I made friends after high school because I was in a program where I was surrounded by peers that had the same interests and goals as me.” Another young person from British Columbia said, “It is good to have the same interests. But you can learn from your friends too. One of my friends has a lot of the same interests as me, but she bakes too–like I wish I could. My mom thinks she’s absolutely awesome too.”
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