By: Felita Budiman
School is more than just a place to learn about math, science, or history. It’s also where we learn about life, love, and friendship. Our friends are an essential part of our school experience. They make our days brighter, help us through tough times, and create memories that we cherish forever. But what happens when we start treating some friends differently from others? What happens when we discriminate, consciously or unconsciously, between our friends?
Discriminating between friends, even in small ways, can have a significant impact on our friendships and the overall atmosphere at school. It can create feelings of exclusion, insecurity, and sadness. When we show favoritism, we are unintentionally telling others that they are not good enough or that they don’t belong. This can hurt deeply and make people feel isolated.
On the other hand, when we treat all our friends with equal love and respect, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and accepted. When everyone feels included, it builds a stronger sense of community, making the school a happier and more supportive place for everyone.
Why should we Love and Respect All Friends?
- Everyone is Unique: Each friend brings something special to the table. Some may be great listeners, while others are fantastic at making people laugh. Appreciating these differences helps us grow and learn from one another.
- Building Empathy: Loving all your friends teaches empathy. It helps us understand that everyone has their own struggles and feelings. When we treat everyone kindly, we show that we care about their feelings, which strengthens our friendships.
- Creating a Positive Environment: Schools should be a safe and welcoming place for all. When we show love and kindness to all our friends, we contribute to a positive environment where bullying and exclusion are less likely to happen.
- Friendship is About Support: True friends support each other. Discriminating against some friends means withholding support, and that goes against the very essence of friendship. Being there for everyone, regardless of their background, interests, or abilities, makes friendships more meaningful.
How to Show Love and Avoid Discrimination
- Include Everyone: Whether it’s a group project, a game during recess, or just sitting together at lunch, make sure everyone feels included. Don’t leave anyone out because they’re different or new.
- Listen to All Voices: Make an effort to listen to what everyone has to say. Don’t ignore someone’s opinions or ideas just because they think differently from you. Every voice matters.
- Celebrate Differences: Instead of seeing differences as a reason to separate, see them as a reason to celebrate. Learn about your friends’ cultures, traditions, and interests. You’ll find that there is so much to learn and enjoy from the diversity around you.
- Be Kind and Fair: Treat everyone with kindness and fairness. If you make a mistake or hurt someone’s feelings, apologize and try to make it right. Showing that you care about others’ feelings goes a long way in maintaining strong friendships.
- Encourage Each Other: Always cheer on your friends, whether they’re trying out for a sports team, taking a test, or just having a tough day. Encouragement and positivity create bonds that last.
Friendship is one of the most valuable parts of school life. By treating all our friends with equal love and respect, we build stronger, happier, and more inclusive communities. Let’s make an effort to show kindness and empathy to everyone, appreciating the unique qualities that each person brings. When we do this, we not only make our friends feel loved, but we also grow into more compassionate, understanding, and loving individuals ourselves. Remember, in the journey of life, it is the friendships we build and the love we share that truly make a difference. So, let’s love all our friends, without exception.
Every friend is a treasure, and every friendship is a gift.
Sources:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/campaign-free-to-speak-safe-to-learn/tackling-discrimination