Building friendships that last

Posted August 11th, 2009

Helping my friends proved to be one of the most satisfying experiences that I have had in my post secondary years thus far. Being a designated driver, taking friends keys, or just watching over them at night to make sure they slept in the BACCHUS position, while exhausting, was extremely rewarding. I learned in my first year how to be a friend when a friend drank to excess, when a friend needed a watchful eye over a drink at a bar, and when a friend needed someone to take their keys away, whether they realized it or not. I cannot stress enough how important the friendships that I made at school have been for my safety and well-being. Just like I have kept a watchful eye over my friends on occasion, I know that if I needed it, they would likewise keep an eye on me.

Friends helping friends extends to more than just the use of alcohol. Whether that is related to drugs, stresses involved in school, being sick, away from home, eating habits, or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, having a strong core of friends is one of the most valuable things that you can find at school when you’re away from home. Be a friend that is aware of your friends’ social cues and be smart about the attention that they need. Let your friends know that you support them, and will listen to them when they need you to do so. Sometimes all people need is a listening ear. Part of being a good friend is knowing when to get help from other resources. Be there for your friends, and let them be there for you.

If you are interested in seeing more information about how friends can be a source of support when at a party or when consuming alcohol, see the How to Help a Friend article in the alcohol resources section.