Questions and Answers

“I struggle reaching out. How can I make friends with people?”

“Belonging comes not as we wait for it but as we reach out to help one another.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Oct. 2022 general conference (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 55).

It’s a Process

“I have struggled with forming wholesome relationships for most of my life! It’s a learning process. Practice having conversations with an individual or a small group. Ask questions and be curious about getting to know others. People will gravitate toward you when they see your Christlike characteristics.”

Ethan C., 17, Michigan, USA

Participate in Church Activities

“For me, it is very difficult to make friends or talk with others, but participating in Church activities has helped me. Going to FSY and other camps helped me learn and share more with others both spiritually and socially.”

Caroline S., 14, Santiago, Chile

Pray for Help

“When I went through a major move, I really wanted to make some friends. I prayed for help. When I went to church the next day, everybody was welcoming, and I made many friends. Trust God and have faith.”

Cache D., 13, Missouri, USA

Be an Example

“Making true friendships is hard to do. But if you have patience, fast, pray, and always turn to the Lord, He will help you be a faithful example. People will then see your light and want to be around you.”

Raquel F., 17, Paraná, Brazil

Sit, Talk, Share

“I get to know people better by sitting and talking with them. Figure out what their favorite color is, what movies they like to watch, what they like to do, etc. Share things about yourself too. That new kid in your class might eventually become your best friend.”

Rachel S., 11, Utah, USA

Listen

“Ask questions. Many people love to talk about themselves. I have learned that if you listen and make the other person feel like they are important and the center of your attention, it really helps strengthen relationships.”

Eleanor B., 13, Kentucky, USA

Christ Can Help

“Always remember that Jesus Christ is your friend and that He wants to help you. Pray for opportunities and the courage to put yourself out there and get to know someone better.”

Connor F., 17, Utah, USA

Don’t Assume

“I felt like the older young women didn’t want to talk to me because I was younger. Then I went to an activity and found out that they did like having me. So just talk to people, because chances are, they probably want to talk to you.”

Lilly L., 12, California, USA

Responses are intended for help and perspective, not as official pronouncements of Church doctrine.

What Do You Think?

“How do I make time for spiritual things when I have so many other demands in my day?”

Send your answer and photo by March 15, 2024.

Email us at [e-mail]. Or go to ftsoy.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and click “Submit Your Work.” Sign in with your Church Account and then select “For the Strength of Youth” under “Choose Magazine.” Click “Add File” to select your file and photos, and then click “Submit” to upload and send us your file.

Responses may be edited for length or clarity.