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As you get older, you’ll start to find out all about what makes you…YOU!

We all have different personalities and different ideas about life. You should always remember that it’s OK to be yourself. You don’t have to like what others like, and you don’t have to copy the things that other people do. It’s really important to find out who you are, what you enjoy doing and how you like to talk, play and work with the people around you.

As you grow, you’ll discover that you are good at some things and not so good at others. That’s natural.

Everyone has different abilities and qualities. Some people enjoy music, some enjoy sports, others are good at schoolwork and some people are really very good at looking after their friends. There are thousands of things to enjoy in life and part of having fun and growing up is discovering what you enjoy most. When you find what these things are you will find lots of other people that share your interest. This is a great way to make friends.

It’s not always easy to feel good about yourself. Sometimes, when you are with other people, you may feel awkward and a bit left out. When others seem confident and sure of themselves, it can often be difficult to know what to say or do, especially if you are shy. But you shouldn’t worry about these feelings. Everyone feels like that at some stage in their life.

It usually happens when you are in a new or different situation such as starting a new school or club, or at an event where you don’t know many people. It can seem like everyone else is happy, carefree and has lots of friends while you are just standing there feeling stupid. But try to remember that nobody’s trying to make you feel bad, it’s just that they don’t know you yet. Even if you find it hard to make friends, keep trying, there will be people just like you out there who want to laugh, play and have fun just like you.

If you often feel anxious or worried and lacking in confidence, it will help if you talk to someone. It could be a friend, a teacher, an older brother or sister, a parent, grandparent or guardian. In fact, you can talk to anyone that you know well enough to tell them how you feel. It will make you feel much better to talk about your feelings, and they will reassure you that you are a unique and loved person who has lots of great qualities.

Make sure that you try to be yourself when you are with your friends. There’s no point in pretending to be someone you aren’t just because you are trying to fit in or be liked. If you aren’t sure who you really are, try listening to the little voice in your head that asks awkward questions such as, “do I really want to do this?”, “am I happy acting this way?”, “is this the type of person I am at home?” This might help you to be happy being yourself. Which is after all, the best thing you can be!