I’m feeling really unsure about something. Hi, Reddit! As a freshman who was homeschooled for most of my life, I recently made a friend I’ll call “Rose” (not her real name), and we hit it off really well—she’s been nothing but nice to me. However, during an after-school program, someone mentioned, “I hate manipulative people,” and then brought up Rose’s last name (I hadn’t told them I knew her). This person went on to say some pretty harsh things about Rose, claiming she was manipulative and attention-seeking, and that they had a terrible experience with her in the past.
I’m feeling really caught in the middle. Part of me wants to believe my new friend Rose, but I also can’t ignore what I heard. I’m not sure whether I should talk to Rose about what was said or if I should just keep my distance until I figure things out. I’m really confused and would appreciate any advice!
It’s understandable to feel confused in this situation, especially since you’re just starting to navigate friendships in a new environment. Here are a few things to consider:
Gather Information: Before making any assumptions, it might be worth talking to Rose directly. You can approach her gently and ask if there’s anything she’s comfortable sharing about her past experiences. This gives her a chance to express herself and provide her perspective.
Keep an Open Mind: Remember that people can have differing opinions based on their experiences. Just because one person has a negative view of Rose doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.
Trust Your Instincts: Pay attention to how you feel when you’re around Rose. Does she treat you and others well? Trust your gut feelings about people, but also stay open to learning.
Avoid Gossip: If you decide to speak to Rose, try to focus on your friendship without bringing in what you heard from the other person. Keeping gossip out of the equation will help maintain a healthier friendship.
Give It Time: As you all are still getting to know each other, it’s okay to take your time forming opinions. You can continue to be friendly with both people while observing the dynamics of their relationships.
Friendships can be complicated, especially when you’re just starting out in a new school environment. Just remember to communicate openly and trust your own experiences. Good luck!