A school girl writes to me and says that a girl named Jane just transferred (转学) to their class and became her deskmate. But Lucy and she have been friends for a long time, and they enjoy doing things together. She asks me what she should do. The following is what I say to her:
This is quite a compliment (祝贺).
Imagine if you were new in a class and hadn't made friends yet. I knew I would be very nervous and a bit shy to reach out. This is why when I was younger and there was a new student in my school or my class, my friends and I would introduce ourselves and get to know him or her. It's important to put yourself in the other person's shoes.
It's really nice that she felt comfortable enough to ask you to be a friend. Are you worried that Lucy will be upset or that being friends with the new girl in class will take away the time you spend with her?
You can introduce the new girl to Lucy as well. If you are worried this might change things between you and Lucy, I don't think it has to be a bad thing.
While sometimes adding another person to your circle of friends can change the dynamic (活力), chances are that you all get along really well. In fact, it's important to always try to make new friends.
Reaching out to someone when they are in an uncomfortable situation is also a sign of kindness and empathy (同感). And you never know-you just might make a lifelong friend.
A. Being the new kid can be tough.
B. You can't agree on everything.
C. If so, I don't think you should worry.
D. Having a new friend doesn't mean you lose your old one.
E. You will have a positive influence on your other classmates.
F. You should have a heart-to-heart talk with your old friend.
G. Jane doesn't have friends in the class and wants to make friends with her.
