The Effects of Strong Friendships Throughout Adolescence An overall agreement can be made that having healthy friendships during adolescence is a necessary part of development, and has impacted every person in some way. Many studies have shown the positive impact they have on us and how they might affect our future relationships. In The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner, the influence of friendships is shown as his best friend helps him get over mental health struggles and loneliness in a town against his family's name. Having strong friendships in early years will lead you into life and the help you acquire the way you will shape you as a person in the long run. Throughout the novel The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner, having strong friendships and
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Their poison is not your poison. Their darkness is not your darkness. Not even their name is your name” (Zentner 24). Her words are the only comfort Dillard can turn to in a world without his parents' support. She continues to show him what love can do for a hurting person, as she got up, walked around the table, and gave him a lingering hug, running her fingers through the back of his hair. What was that for? Dill asked Because your heart looked like it stepped on a lego (Zenter 188). Her actions toward Dill are more than just a hug, but a reminder that he has someone to fall back on even in the darkest of times. Through Dill and Lydia's friendship, strong communication and trust helped open Dill's eyes to being accepted as his true self. Many studies have suggested that friendships in adolescence can have a strong impact on our well-being and character. This research has led to the conclusion that “teenagers with close friendships tend to be more adaptive to stress, report being happier due to an increased feeling of uniqueness, and are likely to do better academically (MedicalNewsToday: Strong friendships in adolescence may benefit mental health in the long …show more content…
Early, positive friendships also establish key traits in a person and “When strong friendships are formed, there's an underlying sense of security in your social identity,” (Life Hacker: How Your Teenager’s Friendships Can Impact Their Adulthood”.). This sense of security is similar to the one established by parents. When a child gains independence, it's beneficial to have friends to fall back on in the real world. This is an advantage that a child without strong friendships may not be able to obtain. This goes to show the advantages of having friendships through early childhood development and how it will impact them in the long run. Looking forward, these bonds have been shown to lead us to happier and more successful relationships in the future. There are many lessons to be learned through friendships, including teaching us how to act and treat others, since "These friendships are the building blocks for supportive, positive romantic relationships'' (Health News NPR: Having A Best Friend In Your Teenage Years Could Benefit You For Life”). As stated, this will be a starting point to build tools to help maintain future relationships that will have fewer problems and a happier overall
Their poison is not your poison. Their darkness is not your darkness. Not even their name is your name” (Zentner 24). Her words are the only comfort Dillard can turn to in a world without his parents' support. She continues to show him what love can do for a hurting person, as she got up, walked around the table, and gave him a lingering hug, running her fingers through the back of his hair. What was that for? Dill asked Because your heart looked like it stepped on a lego (Zenter 188). Her actions toward Dill are more than just a hug, but a reminder that he has someone to fall back on even in the darkest of times. Through Dill and Lydia's friendship, strong communication and trust helped open Dill's eyes to being accepted as his true self. Many studies have suggested that friendships in adolescence can have a strong impact on our well-being and character. This research has led to the conclusion that “teenagers with close friendships tend to be more adaptive to stress, report being happier due to an increased feeling of uniqueness, and are likely to do better academically (MedicalNewsToday: Strong friendships in adolescence may benefit mental health in the long …show more content…
Early, positive friendships also establish key traits in a person and “When strong friendships are formed, there's an underlying sense of security in your social identity,” (Life Hacker: How Your Teenager’s Friendships Can Impact Their Adulthood”.). This sense of security is similar to the one established by parents. When a child gains independence, it's beneficial to have friends to fall back on in the real world. This is an advantage that a child without strong friendships may not be able to obtain. This goes to show the advantages of having friendships through early childhood development and how it will impact them in the long run. Looking forward, these bonds have been shown to lead us to happier and more successful relationships in the future. There are many lessons to be learned through friendships, including teaching us how to act and treat others, since "These friendships are the building blocks for supportive, positive romantic relationships'' (Health News NPR: Having A Best Friend In Your Teenage Years Could Benefit You For Life”). As stated, this will be a starting point to build tools to help maintain future relationships that will have fewer problems and a happier overall