Would you intervene to help a friend who is going in the wrong direction? What would you do?

Friends – The ones whom we love, care for and can’t live without. Humans depend on each other and are social beings, therefore everyone needs someone to talk to and share thier feelings with, and this person sometimes is none other than our closest friend. But sometimes, our friends make mistakes that they regret or do accidentally, because friends are also humans, and no human is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes – that is what makes us human. As Adam Osborne once said “The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake – you can’t learn anything from being perfect.”

So the question arises, “Would you intervene to help a friend who is going in the wrong direction? What would you do?” This is our topic for this edition of Youth Talk. Let’s see what our readers have to say…

Zaman Hussain, Grade 10, Primus Private School, Dubai

wrong? Absolutely! As we all have heard, “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” A friend going in the wrong direction is harmful not only for them but whoever may be related to that person. We should never ever disregard their wrongful doings as a come-and-go behaviour. As a friend, you would be the first person to know about the wrong path they’re walking on, and you should also be the first person to advise them against it. Seat them in a calm and quiet place, speak to them in a comfortable voice and look concerned for them. This usually does the trick, but many a times they may continue. So, make them understand that what they’re doing is wrong. Tell them about the consequences that can happen, and the people they can hurt, such as their parents. No matter what, you shouldn’t let them down or make them feel alone.

Andrea Mary, Grade 10, Gems Our Own Indian High School, Dubai

A true friend is someone who will always have your back and give opinions that may be the best for you. You may not realise it then, but you will always be thankful later. If you notice a friend going on the wrong path, it is your right to correct them and make them realise their mistake. If you don’t, it may be something that you will regret for the rest of your life. I would definitely help a friend if they were going in the wrong direction.

Fathima Sherin, Grade 9, The Indian High School, Dubai

I have been through the experience where a friend seemed to be in need of help. The best thing to do (in my opinion) is to show that you care and you will be there no matter what. One thing you should never do is judge the person; this demotivates the person to open up. Some people do not like to be pitied, so to be on the safe side, it is better to avoid showing that too.

You have to always do what you feel is right, but remember to keep an open mind because you never know what you might learn.

My Stand on the topic:

Obviously, like any good friend would do, I would intervene if I saw that my friend was doing something bad because I believe that no friend of mine should ever get into trouble or have a bad name in the community, and I really care for all my friends. If one was to go in the wrong direction and not listen to my advice, then I would just let him go because I know he will come back and say sorry for his mistake. All my friends listen to what I have to say because they know that I would never let anything bad happen to them. “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

So, choose a friend who will be honest and guide you on the right path, rather than a friend who would walk on the same wrong path with you.

What would you do to intervene if you saw your friend from going down the wrong path? Share your thoughts with us at: ambassadors@theyoungvision.com