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Worried about young teen DD - has friends but no close friends

3 replies

Notcontent · 17/07/2019 22:45

My DD is 13 and is a lovely, clever and considerate girl but she has some ASD traits and can come across as a bit different - and maybe even slightly annoying in some situations. This means she has never been “popular” but has always managed to make some friends and developed some close friendships in primary school.

In secondary school she became close to a girl but got “ditched” for someone else who became that girl’s best friend. She has a small circle of friends fortunately but it feels like she is always on the edge of it. For example, she will get invited to parties and occasional group outings but she is very aware that there isn’t anyone who considers her a special friend. She also does a regular activity outside of school and is friendly with some of the girls but is also on the periphery. I feel so sad for her.

Is this something that just happens sometimes?

OP posts:
BackforGood · 18/07/2019 00:20

Lots of people don't have "a" best friend.
You say she is included in things and invited to things.
You say she isn't dependent on one small band of friends, but has friends both from school and also from her activity.
I'd say all is well Smile

HennyPennyHorror · 18/07/2019 07:23

I agree with Back ...not everyone has a best friend. My 14 year old DD has quite a good number of friends but no "best friend". She's happy in her groups...she goes out like your DD, gets invitations etc. Has DD mentioned feeling sad about this herself or is it more your concern?

SnuggyBuggy · 18/07/2019 07:25

Friendships shift around a lot at this age and many people lose touch with school friends anyway. I wouldn't worry too much.

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