Friendships
Solid friendships are vital for your wellbeing, providing a safety net that helps you navigate life’s challenges and overcome isolation and loneliness. Looking to build new connections but not sure where to start? Read our tips on how to make friends and meet new people.
Of course, friendships aren't always effortless; they require energy, communication and sometimes tough decisions. They will also evolve as you move through different life stages, so it’s good to know ways to cope with changing friendships. Being a great mate also means showing up when things get tough. If you’re worried about someone, our collection on helping friends is full of resources to guide you. You can start by learning how to ask a friend if they’re okay in a way that feels natural and safe.
Not every friendship is right for you, though. Sometimes, you might find yourself needing to deal with a toxic friendship dynamic that no longer feels supportive, or learning how to deal with peer pressure so you can stay true to yourself while staying connected.
If you're navigating a tricky social situation or feeling isolated, our peer workers are here to chat. Connect with ReachOut PeerChat for a free, anonymous, and supportive space to work things through.
Talk to someone about friendships
If you're feeling lonely or dealing with friendship issues, speak to a trained peer worker with lived experience and get support.
What makes a good friend?
Figure out what makes a good friend, and learn how you can be there for your friends when they need you most.
The Mate Breakup: 6 ways to make sure you’re okay when a friendship ends
Falling out with a friend can be pretty gutting. Check out our top tips for making it through a mate breakup.
Quiz: What’s your boundary style?
Setting boundaries to protect your space, time and energy can be complicated. Take this quiz to learn your boundary style and get tips for building respectful relationships.
Loserfruit's guide to being a good friend online
It's a bit different maintaining healthy friendships when everyone's online. Thankfully, Loserfruit explains it all in this instructional VHS tape.
How to make friends at school
Forming strong friendships can make your school days way more memorable. Explore our top tips for building solid connections at school.
When does banter go too far?
We spoke with the guys at Randwick Rugby about the banter that goes on in the team and locker room. Hear what they have to say about joking around, and when it goes too far.
4 steps for coping with changing friendships
We chatted to a bunch of young people about how they cope with changing friendships. Get some of their top tips.
How to tell your friend they've hurt you
Talking to your friend about how they've hurt you, or about other friendship issues, can be tricky. Check out these tips to get you started.
Friendships and exam stress: 5 tips for keeping things positive
Is study stress affecting your friendships? Discover our 5 practical tips for maintaining strong friendships during exam season.
How to deal with a toxic friendship
Learn how to recognise the signs of a toxic friendship, figure out what you want to do about it, and explore how to set boundaries, have honest conversations, or walk away if you need to.
What is peer pressure?
Making friends is important, but sometimes fitting in can turn sour. Learn about peer pressure and how to handle it, especially when things get serious.
5 ways you can call out your mates for sexist behaviour
If you're tired of your mates saying weird stuff about women, here are a few ways you can encourage them to do better.
How Josh and Nathan keep the bromance alive
Josh and Nathan chat about how they stayed good mates after Nathan left school to work full-time.
Rugby League legend Joe Williams talks about ways to create a safe place for others to ask for help
Rugby League legend Joe Williams and Justin Tall share their story about how to get support in tough times.
Frequently asked questions about friendships
A good friend respects your boundaries, listens without judgement, and makes you feel safe to be yourself. These relationships are built on mutual trust and support, where you both feel valued and heard. While no friendship is perfect, the best ones are those that contribute positively to your wellbeing. Learn more about what makes a good friend.
Making new friends can feel daunting, especially during big life changes like finishing school or starting a new job. The key is to put yourself in situations where you can meet people with shared interests, like joining a club or volunteering. Remember to be patient with yourself – building a connection takes time. Check out these tips on how to make friends and meet new people.
A toxic friendship often feels one-sided, draining, or even manipulative. You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells or that your friend doesn't respect your boundaries. Recognising these signs is the first step in deciding whether to set firmer limits or move on. Read more about identifying and dealing with a toxic friendship.
It’s okay to speak up when a friend’s actions have impacted you. Using ‘I’ statements like ‘I felt hurt when…’ can help you express your feelings without sounding accusatory, and choosing a calm time to talk can make the conversation more productive. For a step-by-step approach, explore our full guide on how to tell a friend they’ve hurt you.
Losing a friend can hurt just as much as a romantic break-up. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to relief. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss and focus on self-care as you adjust to the change. Read our guide on how to cope when a friendship ends.