“What should I do if my friends have different standards from mine?”

Some ideas to consider:

• Remember that your friends are children of God, so treat them with respect and kindness.

• Ask about their personal standards, and then explain yours and why you choose to stick to them.

• Find common interests and activities that are consistent with your standards.

• When you need to choose a different activity, politely decline an invitation to join in.

Be Respectful

Most of my friends are not LDS. Sometimes I struggle with my faith when I talk about it to them, but I pray to Heavenly Father to give me strength for them to understand my faith. I love them and still respect them even though they might have different standards from what mine might be. Love, respect and understanding are the key for a good friend relationship.

Brandy D., 19, Maine, USA

Let Your Light Shine

It’s OK to have friends who have different standards from yours, but what isn’t OK is if you let them influence you to do wrong. Instead, let your light so shine that you might be the one to influence them. Stand firm in the Church’s standards, because the trends of the world change, but the standards of the Lord are unchanging.

Trisha Z., 17, Philippines

Be Kind

You should be kind. As long as they know your standards, you should be able to have a good relationship with your friends.

McKenzie B., 15, Montana, USA

Ask for Help

True friends will love and respect you and your standards. If your friends don’t approve, ask Heavenly Father to help you choose the right friends who will honour your beliefs.

Kiya S., 12, England

Treat Them Like Any Other Friend

You should treat them with respect like you would any other friend. But you have to be mindful that you don’t participate in any activities with them that might be against your standards. If they do try to persuade you, tell them why you make different choices. If they keep trying to persuade you, then you might need to associate with other people.

Ben B., 15, Georgia, USA

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

Tell Us What You Think

How do I strengthen my testimony by bearing it when I have such a hard time being in front of people?

Send your answer and photo by April 15, 2018.

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Responses may be edited for length or clarity.