Friends

When you have a brain injury between 0-2 years old, like me, making friends can be really hard! Here are some of the reasons why:

• Reading social cues-knowing the give and take of conversation. When it's your turn to talk, when it's your turn to listen. Recognizing that someone's body language or change in their tone of voice, means that it's not a good time-without them directly saying it. A LOT for the brain to process in a short amount of time
• Sometimes be causes friends are harder to come by, you might let yourself my used by someone, have them take advantage of your kindness because it's nice to be wanted and needed
• Anxiety!!! And when anxiety hits, it's more difficult to think clearly, process, take the action you want to take

How you can help to be a good friend-this is for me as much as anyone else, I have work to do, too!

• Use verbal cues and reassurance. Tell team directly that you do want to talk with them and you will, later but now is not a good time because....
• Allow them to be involved just like with anyone else. Everyone wants to feel a part of something!
• Support their interests. When you can, attend a game, concert, etc.
• Model appropriate social behavior and cues for them. Be a classy friend. 
• Be patient and try to understand where they are coming from, how their brain is processing and responding, etc.

And a huge thank you to all that are sincere friends, who make me a better person when I am around them.