Finding Your Tribe As A Teenager
Ever felt it is hard Finding Your Tribe As A Teenager, it is an endless test of friendships and loyalty.
The fickleness of a starting friendships, or even the disappointments of a short friendship.
Those teenage years, it definitely as process in finding your tribe as a teenager especially in the current GEN Z, GEN ALPHA – a whirlwind of emotions, social complexities, and the ever-present existential dread (just kidding… mostly).
But amidst the chaos, one thing remains crucial: having a strong support system.
This isn’t just about having people to hang out with (although that’s important too!). It’s about having a group of people who understand you, support your dreams, and have your back no matter what.
This blog post will equip you with some techniques built over the years at yourdiscoveryjourney™ to find your tribe and build a support system that will see you through anything.
So, grab your metaphorical magnifying glass (because sometimes finding your tribe feels like searching for hidden treasure!, and get ready to connect with like-minded individuals who will make your teenage years a little brighter.
The Power of Rapport: Building Connections that Matter
Rapport is the feeling of connection and understanding between two people.
It’s that feeling of “clicking” with someone and feeling comfortable being yourself around them.
A strong support system is built on a foundation of rapport-filled relationships.
Here are some techniques to build rapport with potential tribe members:
- Put down your phone, make eye contact, and truly listen to what the other person is saying. Ask clarifying questions and show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.
- Subtly mirror the other person’s body language and speech patterns (tone, pace). This creates a sense of connection and shows you’re paying attention.
- Look for shared interests, experiences, or even just a mutual love for funny cat videos. This common ground creates a foundation for connection and conversation.
Reading the Signals The Key To Finding Your Tribe As A Teenager
The ability to read and understand another person’s nonverbal communication really should be called a superpower!
Here’s how you can find your tribe:
- Pay attention to people’s body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These nonverbal cues can reveal if someone is open to connection or feeling closed off.
- Match the other person’s energy level (not to the point of mimicking, but to create a sense of ease). For example, if they’re high-energy and enthusiastic, mirror that energy in your response.
- Notice the other person’s pace of speech and adjust yours slightly to match. Once rapport is established, you can gently lead the conversation in a new direction.
Building Your Tribe: Beyond The yourdiscoveryjourney™ Techniques
Whilst we have provided you with some tools, here are some additional tips for finding your tribe:
- Explore Your Interests: Join clubs or activities related to your hobbies and passions. This is a great way to meet people who share your interests.
- Volunteer: Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community and meet like-minded people who care about the same causes you do.
- Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with new people. You never know who you might connect with!
- Be Yourself: The right people will appreciate you for who you are, quirks and all. Don’t try to be someone you’re not to fit in.
Conclusion: You Are Not Alone!
Building a strong support system is an essential part of navigating the teenage years.
By using a few of our techniques in building rapport and calibration and by actively seeking out connections, and being yourself, you can find your tribe easily – those amazing people who will support you, cheer you on, and help you become the best version of yourself.
Remember, you are not alone on this wild ride called adolescence.
So go forth and find your tribe! You’ve got this!
If you do like what we are putting down in these blog posts, you get to read more of them here.
And if you really do like what you have read and would like to learn more about what we do here at yourdiscoveryjourney™ or join our public program for teen training and coaching with our yourdiscoveryjourney™YOUTH EDITION program.
