Heyyy. Very valid question. Because let’s be honest you’re not the only one confused about this one. Gaslighting is one of those words that shows up everywhere. Reels, rants, comment sections, random conversations in school. Everyone uses it very confidently but  … but the moment you ask, “Okay, but what does it actually mean?” suddenly everyone needs water, WiFi, and time to think.

So let’s talk about it properly. 

What gaslighting actually means

Gaslighting is when someone makes you doubt your own thoughts, feelings, or memory.

And no, it’s not dramatic. There’s no big fight, no dhum tana nana na in the background, no moment where you dramatically realise the truth while staring out of a window.

It’s more like this. You’re sure about how something felt. Then five minutes later you’re thinking, “Wait… am I being dramatic?” even though nothing actually changed.

You didn’t imagine it. Your brain is just being messed with.

Let’s say you tell a friend, “I felt really bad when you ignored me all day.”

They reply, “What are you talking about? I didn’t ignore you.”

Now you’re mentally opening WhatsApp, Instagram, your memory, your soul. Did they actually ignore you or did you just overreact? Did they reply late or did you check too fast?

If this happens once, fine. If this becomes a pattern, welcome to overthinking season.

Why gaslighting is about control

Gaslighting is not just lying or remembering things differently. It’s about always needing to be right.

One person becomes the final authority on reality. The other starts collecting screenshots like evidence, over explaining feelings, and practising conversations in the shower that may never even happen.

That’s not communication. That’s emotional chess, and you didn’t even agree to play. Gaslighting does not only happen in romantic relationships.

It can happen in friendships when someone says something rude and later says, “I was joking, why are you being dramatic?” It can happen in friend groups where your reaction gets more attention than what actually caused it. It can even happen at home when your feelings are dismissed as unnecessary drama.

Basically, if the sentence starts with “Why are you reacting like this?” instead of “Why did I do that?” take note.

Common gaslighting lines you might recognise

These phrases deserve their own playlist because they show up so often.

“You’re overreacting.”
“That never happened.”
“You’re too sensitive.”
“Why do you make everything such a big deal?”

Hearing these once in a while is normal. Hearing them every single time you speak up is not.

How gaslighting usually makes you feel

Gaslighting often leaves you feeling confused and weirdly guilty. You might apologise even when you’re not sure what you’re apologising for.

You may stop bringing things up because explaining yourself feels tiring. Staying quiet starts to feel easier, even though it shouldn’t.

If silence feels safer than talking, something is off.

Gaslighting versus normal disagreements

Disagreements are normal. Different opinions are normal.

In a healthy disagreement, someone might say, “I don’t see it that way, but I get why you felt bad.” In gaslighting, the response sounds more like, “Why are you like this?”

One response listens. The other shuts things down.

If someone keeps making you doubt your memory, your reactions, or your feelings, pause and notice it. You’re not “too much.” You’re just responding to something real.

You deserve relationships where you can talk without feeling like you need screenshots, witnesses, or a full presentation to be taken seriously.

Always.

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

After school—Rohan and Ishan—are sitting on the last bus seat heading home. Rohan looks distracted, staring at the ground.

Ishan: Bro, you look like someone stole your lunch during break. What’s up?

Rohan: Nothing.

Ishan: Liar. Jaldi bata.

Rohan: It’s just… I don’t know, man. I was hanging out with my class friends yesterday and I felt super left out. Everyone was laughing at inside jokes I didn’t get, talking about stuff I had no clue about. I was just sitting there, nodding like a background character.

Ishan: Ah, classic NPC(non playable character) behavior.

Rohan: Exactly! I felt like an extra in my own friend group. Am I just boring, or are they secretly all bored of me?

Ishan: Chill, dude. No one’s bored of you. This just happens sometimes. And chances are they didn’t even realize you were feeling this way.

Rohan: Yeah, but it’s not just once. It’s been happening a lot. They’re making plans without me, cracking jokes I don’t get… I feel like I don’t fit in anymore. I feel like a clueless outsider.

Ishan: Okay, first of all, I can see that you have not overthought this AT ALL? And second, have you actually tried, you know, talking to them about it?

Rohan: What am I supposed to say? “Hey guys, remember me? Your forgotten friend?”

Ishan: Or… you could just mention that you’ve been feeling a little out of the loop. Like, casually. I bet they don’t even realize it.

Rohan: What if they think I’m being needy?

Ishan: Dude, everyone feels left out at some point. It’s normal. If they’re real friends, they won’t think it’s a big deal. I mean, I’d want to know if I was making a friend feel that way.

Rohan: Hmm. Maybe.

Ishan: Also, do you even know what half their conversations are about?

Rohan: Not really. They’re always talking about some new show or game.

Ishan: Bro, there’s your answer. Maybe check out what they’re into. Not saying you have to fake it, but sometimes just knowing what’s up helps.

Rohan: So, what? Binge-watch their favorite show overnight and show up tomorrow like, “Hey guys, I’m one of you now”?

Ishan: No, genius. Just take an interest. Ask about it, join in when they’re talking. They’ll notice.

Rohan: And if they don’t?

Ishan: Then maybe you’re trying to fit in with people who don’t make the same effort for you. I mean, we’ve been best friends for years, and I don’t remember needing inside jokes to enjoy hanging out.

Rohan: True. You and I mostly bond over food.

Ishan: Exactly! And food never leaves anyone out. Unlike some people.

Rohan: Okay, I get it. I’ll try talking to them, maybe make more effort to join in. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just hang out with you and eat my feelings.

Ishan: Solid plan. But also, don’t overthink it, man. You belong, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes.

Rohan: Yeah… thanks, bro.

Ishan: No worries. Now, pass me the chips before I start feeling left out.

Would you like to share your feelings with TeenBook? Send us your thoughts in the comments box! Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box.

Just like a teen messaged me last night saying they broke up with their best friend. It’s like, no one really talks about it, right? We talk about relationship breakups all the time, but what about that kind of hurt? The one that comes when your best friend is no longer by your side.

I mean, losing my best friend? Can’t imagine—and honestly, don’t want to imagine. So, I thought, if I’m feeling this way, surely you must have felt this way too. And tadaaa! Aise thodi na main tumhe kisi problem se akele deal karne dungi.

So let’s tackle this crisis together, shall we?

1. Feel all the feels

Friendship breakups hit harder than stepping on a Lego, and it’s okay to admit it. Cry, scream into a pillow, or even vent to your diary. Let yourself feel all the emotions instead of bottling them up.

“Apne dard ko ignore mat karo, bro. Identify it, feel it and move on!”

Pro tip? Binge-watch your comfort shows (hint: Brooklyn Nine-Nine or F.R.I.E.N.D.S) or blast some Taylor and Olivia songs to get it all out. 

2. Stop the blame game 

“Was it something I said? Did I overshare? Was my vibe off?” STOP. Friendships end for a million reasons—people grow apart, life happens, or priorities change. It’s not always about something you did or didn’t do.

It’s important to remind yourself that relationships are a two-way street. If your friend didn’t communicate their issues or decided to walk away without explanation, that’s on them—not you. You can’t carry the entire weight of a friendship on your shoulders.

3. Talk it out (If You Can) 

If you feel the friendship ended over some miscommunication, take a deep breath and reach out. Slide into their DMs or ask to meet up. But keep it cool—no drama, just straight up honesty. Use this line: “Hey, I feel like we’ve grown distant, and I miss our friendship. Did I do something to upset you?” If they respond, great! If not, at least you tried.

4. Accept the unfriending 

Not every friendship can be salvaged, and that’s okay. If they’re not ready to fix things, or if they’ve made it clear they’re moving on, it’s time to let go. Holding on will only hurt you more.

Let’s be honest, Kuch log bas ek season ke liye hote hain, not the whole series. Aur ye bhi theek hai. It’s all for the plot baby!

5. Lean on other people 

Your ex-BFF isn’t your only person. And don’t let one bad experience stop you from trusting new people and experiences. Lean on your other friends, siblings (even the annoying ones), or that one cousin who gets you. This is also a great time to make new friends—join a club, take up a hobby, or just vibe with someone new. Fun Fact: Your next BFF could be someone you’d never expect, like the person you sit next to in class but barely talk to. Give it a shot!

6. Glow-up time, baby 

Here’s the tea: a friendship breakup is the perfect excuse for a you-glow-girl moment. Focus on yourself—pick up that hobby you’ve been procrastinating on, start journaling, or treat yourself to a mini self-care sesh. You’re the main character of your life, and nothing can dim that spotlight. “Apna time bhi aega my lord!”

7. Time is the real MVP 

Healing takes time, but it happens. Slowly but surely, you’ll stop missing them as much. Instead of feeling hurt, you’ll remember the good times with a smile. Trust the process, bestie. Reminder: “Time doesn’t erase memories, but it softens the edges.”

Friendship breakups suck, but they’re also a chance to grow. You’ll learn more about what you need from a friend and how to be an even better one yourself. And hey, every ending makes space for a new beginning.

If you ever feel stuck or need to rant, you know where to find me. Disha’s chai corner is always open for you. 

Love and hugs,
Disha 

Watch this video to know more:

We are a group of seven friends: Trisha, Simran, Gunjan, Rashit, Deepan, Ankita and I. I am close to all of them for the last year now. We used to hang out with each other every day. But lately, I am not sure if they like my presence.

Something happened

I was scrolling through my social media feed, where Trisha posted a picture of our group, excluding me. Soon I realised that they went out without me to celebrate Ankita’s birthday.

I was flustered with anger, I wanted to yell at them. I couldn’t come up with any explanation for them to have done that to me.

I tried calling them, but no one picked up my calls. I felt anxious. I kept blaming myself. Is it because I am now close to this new girl Kuhika?

Am I not a good friend?

I assumed that it’s my fault because I was different. I did not enjoy what Simran and Deepan or others enjoyed.

So, I thought perhaps I should be more like them — maybe dress up a bit like Simran or pretend how I like their favorite Korean band, so I could blend in and be of more importance to them.

Next day, Kuhika called me to sit with her during the lunch break but I chose to ignore her. Instead, I approached my friends. I decided I would not ask them any questions but try to blend in by behaving more like them.

I talked about their favorite things and wore the same type of bracelet that Simran had. Even after trying to be like them for a few days, I still didn’t see any change. I was still a bystander in my own group.

Rather they kept quiet in my company. It made me upset.

Not afraid to be myself

That night I vented out my feelings to my mother after it became too much for me to handle. I began to sob as she hugged me.

“Sneha, just like you told me about your feelings, tell them how bad they made you feel. Hear them out. Maybe it works out between all of you and you can sort out differences. If it does not, you will have an opportunity to find yourself some friends who don’t treat you like that and like you the way you are. Like Kuhika. She called me yesterday to check on you,” she counseled.

The next day, during lunch time, I decided to confront my friends. I asked them why they had been cold towards me.

Trisha sighed and said, “We know you try hard but you are just not like us at all!” “Try hard? It’s more like she pretends”, Gunjan snapped.

“Yeah we know you don’t like BTS!” she added.

I don’t know who said after that but the words “simple, boring and not adventurous enough” fell upon my ears.

It really hurt to hear all that. My immediate impulse was to retort with things I did not like about them. But I held back.

But I chose to keep quiet. I did not want to be a part of their group now. Instead, I felt relieved that I told them what was on my mind and heard how they felt about me.

I picked up my tiffin box and went and sat next to Kuhika and her friends. She offered me the pasta her mom had made. As I took a bite, I felt as if somebody had taken a huge burden off my head.

Have you ever been in Sneha’s situation? How did you feel? Did you do anything about it? Share with us in the comment box below. Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box. 

Aarav and Riya were still buzzing from their last debate with Rohan about perspectives. Today, they were hanging out in the school courtyard when they saw Rohan.

“Hey! We never got to the empathy chat” Aarav called to him, munching on his sandwich.

“Empathy? Isn’t that like feeling sorry for someone?” Riya replied, puzzled.

“Not exactly,” Rohan smiled, joining them. “Empathy is about feeling what someone else feels, like stepping into their shoes. It’s like having a built-in radar for understanding people’s emotions. And it’s super important in daily life because it helps us connect with others, build strong relationships, and navigate tricky situations.”

“Okay, so how’s that different from sympathy?” Aarav asked.

“Good question! Sympathy is feeling pity for someone’s troubles, like saying ‘aww, that sucks.’ Compassion goes a step further; it’s wanting to help. But empathy is like being able to feel their pain as if it’s your own. It’s like when you see someone drop their ice cream, and you feel a little pang in your heart because you know how much that sucks.”

Why Empathy?

“Think of empathy as a magic glue,” Rohan said. “It holds friendships together, helps patch up fights, and makes relationships stronger. When you really understand what your friend is feeling, it’s easier to support them and avoid misunderstandings.”

“Like when Aarav’s upset because he didn’t get paneer in his lunch, and I feel his pain because I know how much he loves it?” Riya joked.

“Exactly,” Rohan laughed. “It’s about tuning into each other’s feelings and being there for one another.”

Developing Empathy

“And one of the best ways to develop empathy is through active listening,” Rohan continued. “That means really paying attention when someone is talking, not just waiting for your turn to speak.”

“Like when Riya goes on about her skincare routine for the millionth time, and I actually listen instead of rolling my eyes?” Aarav teased.

“Exactly,” Rohan nodded. “And active listening involves a few key steps. First, put away distractions, like your phone. Show that you’re fully engaged. Nod or say little things like ‘I see’ or ‘Go on’ to show you’re listening. And don’t interrupt—let them finish their thoughts.”

“Okay, but what if my mind starts wandering?” Riya asked.

“Good question,” Rohan replied. “If you find your mind drifting, bring it back by focusing on their words. Repeat back what they’ve said in your own words, like ‘So, you’re saying you love that skincare routine because it helps you feel confident and relaxed?’ This not only shows you’re listening but helps you understand their perspective better.”

“Also, ask open-ended questions,” Rohan added. “Instead of just ‘Do you like that routine?’ Try, ‘What do you love about that routine?’ This encourages them to share more about their feelings and experiences.”

“And try to see things from their viewpoint. If Riya loves her skincare routine because it makes her feel good and helps her unwind, understand that those feelings are what make it so special to her.”

“Got it,” Aarav said. “So, it’s about trying to understand where they’re coming from.”

“Exactly,” Rohan agreed. “The more you practise, the better you get at picking up on the little clues people give about how they’re really feeling. And that’s what makes empathy so powerful.”

Techniques for Seeing Situations from Different Viewpoints

“Here’s a trick,” Rohan said. “Next time you’re in a disagreement, pause and ask yourself how the other person might be feeling and why. Imagine you’re a writer in a movie, and you’re trying to write and understand each character’s motivations. It can totally change how you see things.”

“That’s a fun way to think about it” Aarav asked.

“Exactly,” Rohan said.

 “For example, if a friend is upset because they weren’t invited to a party,” Aarav chimed in. “Instead of saying, ‘It’s no big deal,’ try to understand their feelings. Maybe they feel left out and hurt. Showing empathy by acknowledging their feelings can make a huge difference.”

“Exactly,” Rohan continued. “In conflicts, empathy can be your secret weapon. By trying to understand why the other person is upset, you can defuse tension and find common ground. It helps to remember that everyone has their own struggles and reasons for feeling the way they do.”

“So, empathy is like a superpower for peacemaking,” Riya said, smiling.

“Totally,” Rohan agreed. “It’s about seeing beyond your own perspective and recognizing the feelings and motivations of others. And the more you practise, the better you get at it.”

How Empathy Helps in Standing Up to Peer Pressure

“Empathy also helps you stand up to peer pressure,” Rohan said. “If you see someone being pressured or stereotyped, empathy lets you feel their discomfort and gives you the courage to stand up for them.”

Rohan nodded. “When you notice someone being left out or pushed to do something they’re not comfortable with, empathy lets you imagine how they must be feeling. It’s like having a radar that picks up on others’ emotions. This understanding can motivate you to take action and support them.”

“Like when everyone was pressuring Sam to skip class to go to the mall,” Aarav added. “I could see he was uncomfortable and worried about getting into trouble. Instead of joining in, I suggested we hang out after school instead.”

“Right,” Rohan agreed. “Empathy gives you the insight to see the bigger picture and the courage to do what’s right. It’s about understanding and caring for others, which makes you a better and more supportive friend.”

 Self-Empathy and Self-Compassion

“Don’t forget self-empathy,” Rohan said. “Cut yourself some slack. If you’re having a tough day, treat yourself with the same kindness you’d give a friend.”

“And balance is key,” Rohan continued, “While it’s great to be empathetic, you also need to take care of yourself. Set boundaries so you don’t get overwhelmed. It’s like charging your phone—you can’t help others if your own battery is dead.”

“Got it,” Aarav nodded. “Empathy is like our superpower, but we need to use it wisely.”

Once again, Aarav and Riya’s chat with Rohan really hit home. They realised that empathy isn’t just some abstract concept; it’s about seeing things from someone else’s shoes, especially when you’ve grown used to your own for so long. 

From that day forward, they made a pact to approach every debate and every situation with open hearts and open minds. 

First day of school 

Every person in the room laughed at me, except the teacher.  I was on the verge of tears. I kept looking down wondering why the kids were laughing at me until the teacher told the students to be quiet and told me to sit. It was my first day at my new school. As the norm, everyone had to introduce themselves.  

I still remember how my classmates and other kids teased me after the teacher left; calling me ‘totlu’ or the kid who stammered.  I always went home crying. 

My parents hired a professional speech therapist who specializes in vocal cord issues. Some sessions with him helped me speak a few words which I couldn’t earlier. Honestly, that was a great achievement but I still had problems saying some words correctly in a sequence.

Fear for strangers 

Over the next few years, I became more introverted, insecure, and quiet. My inability to speak fluently also made me scared and extremely nervous to talk to strangers which eventually made me open up less to people. I hardly socialized, which created a barrier between my inability to communicate and my desire to make new friends. 

I was not always like that. As a kid, I was eager, and friendly and used to make friends with all people. But as I grew older I became less and less open to people because of my inability to communicate.  

Appreciating silence

But not everything about it was negative, as it put me in the un-social zone. I started reading books and became a better listener and an observer, but still to this day I am not good at socializing in the first meeting and am not a talkative person. 

But my condition has also helped me to appreciate the silence. I would want to give my best to turn this weakness into one of the greatest strengths I possess.

Shutterstock/Alexander Image/Person in the photo is a model. Names changed.

Do you have anything on your mind? Share with us in the comment box below. Remember not to put any personal information in the comment box.

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Dear Diary,

So I talked to the school counsellor today. I had been thinking about it for a long time and I finally did it. It wasn’t that bad! I actually felt she was quite nice to me. 

Also, do watch this video on Disability and Sexuality below. Read the rest of the article below video:

I told her about the incident that happened yesterday when I went out with my friends to this cafe and couldn’t bring myself to order for everyone. It was my party yet I had to push one of my friends to do this – it was so embarrassing. I felt like everyone was judging me. 

And yesterday was just the last straw. This anxiety about speaking or interacting with strangers or in public has been living with me for a while now. I can’t bring myself to raise my hand and answer in class even when I know the right answer. I feel like people are always looking at me, secretly judging me behind my back. Something as simple as a phone call from someone outside my immediate circle stresses me out nowadays. 

A couple of months ago, our teacher announced an inter-branch debating competition and I wanted to participate in it so badly but the thought of speaking in front of all those people and talking to teachers scared me so much that I didn’t even try. 

I’ve read on the internet that these are signs of social anxiety but when I tried to tell my sister about it, she said that I was just overthinking it and creating problems for myself. But it’s not like that. I tried so hard to be normal about it. I even forced myself to participate in a small school event, but when it was my turn to go on the stage, I was panicking so bad I gave myself an actual stomach ache. It’s just so stressful.

It’s not like I like being this way, I just can’t help it. I don’t know what to do. At first, the counsellor thought maybe it was a recent change but I remember being in this state for a while now. I have now stopped participating in school events because of this. 

It felt good to feel heard by someone other than myself. My counsellor said I should talk to my parents about it and that she would do some activities with me to help me deal with this better. To be honest, I was dreading talking to her about this, but it really helped to talk to her. Maybe I’ll talk to my parents pretty soon too but I will need some time for that. But for now, I feel better to have taken the first step towards helping myself. 

Photo: Shutterstock/paffy/Person in the photo is a model.

To protect the identity, the person in the picture is a model and names have been changed. 

Would you like to share your feelings with TeenBook? Send us your thoughts in the comments box! Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box.
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Dear Diary,

Today was quite an eventful day, and I feel the urge to put my thoughts down, just like I’ve been doing for the past year. You won’t believe how different things are now compared to a year ago. It’s amazing how as time goes by, things and how people get along can really change.

Why are you late! 

So, here’s what happened today. I reached home late, much later than I had ever been allowed to a year ago. The reason? Well, I was at Tina’s house, working on this tough assignment that we had to finish. Tina and I have become such great friends over the past year, and I’m grateful for her. She’s not just a study buddy; she’s someone I can talk to about anything. 

But when I walked through the front door, I couldn’t help but notice Papa’s frown. It was unmistakable, and my heart sank a little. A couple of years ago, if I had come home this late, it would have been a disaster. I would’ve been scolded, and grounded, and there would have been no way out. 

But today, my parents didn’t say anything. No scolding, no harsh words, nothing. Instead, we just exchanged a few glances, and then I explained why I was late because of an assignment. Papa said okay and asked me if I had my dinner and I went to my room. 

Sweet sixteen 

It got me thinking about how much things have changed. Back then, I was just 12, and I guess my parents saw me as their little girl who needed constant supervision and discipline. I can still vividly remember the last time I was late a year ago. It was for a similar reason – working on a school project with Tina. Yes, she has been my bestie since kindergarten! 

So, I was terrified to come home that evening because I knew I was in deep trouble. When I finally got home, Papa was waiting in the living room, and his face was flushed with anger. The lecture that followed was epic, and I was grounded for one week. It felt like the end of the world.

But now, things have changed. I’ve turned 16, and it’s like my parents have begun to see me as a young adult. They’ve started giving me more freedom and trust. No dramatic showdown. No grounding. Just an exchange of subtle looks between Mummy and Papa. It was almost comical. I tip-toed to my room, and that was it!

They still worry but… 

I’m telling you, diary, it’s like they’ve suddenly realized I’m not a toddler anymore. I’m 16 now – a full-on teenager with responsibility superpowers. They’ve seen my transformation over these past few years – from a kid to maybe a more responsible human. 

I can’t help but feel grateful for the newfound understanding they showed today. They probably still worry, but they’ve finally clued to the fact that I can adult responsibly. It’s like they’ve upgraded! It’s kind of heartwarming and a comforting feeling, knowing that they have faith in me.

So, dear diary, today was a turning point. 

A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined a day like this, when my parents didn’t scold me for coming home late. It’s a reminder that change is a constant, and I’m growing up. I just hope I can continue to make them proud and live up to the trust they’re beginning to place in me.

Until tomorrow,

Nisha 

To dive deeper into Nisha’s life, visit Go Nisha Go. 

Count to Ten, and Beyond

Okay, so you lost a football match, and it stings. Your first instinct might be to sulk, quit the game, or blame everyone but yourself. But here’s the secret: managing your anger. Instead of letting frustration take the wheel, pause, and count to ten. Still mad? Count to 10 again. The point is, don’t make decisions in the heat of the moment. Give yourself time to cool down. Trust us; it works wonders.

Failure Doesn’t Define You

 Even if you flunked an exam, or you didn’t ace that Olympiad you’d been training for. It might feel like the world’s crashing down, right? But guess what? It’s not the end of the world; it’s just a detour. EQ champions accept failures gracefully, just like they celebrate wins. That “F” on your paper isn’t a permanent mark of your abilities. You’ll get another chance, and you’ll rock it next time. Keep your chin up!

Criticism is Your Friend

 You’re passionate about dancing, and someone tells you that you’re a terrible dancer. Ouch, right? But here’s the twist – EQ champs don’t crumble; they thrive on criticism. Instead of getting angry, use it as fuel for self-improvement. Take dance classes, practice, and show ’em how it’s done. Remember, even the best started somewhere!

Empathy is Empowerment

 Imagine this scenario – you and your friends are giggling about someone’s weight, looks, or style.Now, consider a different perspective. What if you were the person being laughed at or criticized? How would that make you feel? This is where empathy comes into play. It’s the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and imagine their emotions and experiences. It’s essentially asking yourself, “How would I feel if it were me?”. EQ superheroes practice empathy. They understand that words can hurt, and they choose kindness instead. What might seem like harmless teasing to one person could be hurtful and damaging to another. It’s like a superpower that makes the world a better place.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Ever heard of mindfulness? It’s like having a clear headspace. Being mindful means you’re aware of your actions, your surroundings, and your feelings. Like enjoying a slice of pizza, fully savoring each bite without distractions – that’s mindfulness. It’s about being in the present moment, not worrying about the past or future.

Now, add meditation to the mix – it’s like a brain gym for your emotions. Meditation helps you train your mind to be more aware, focused, and calm. It’s not just for monks or yogis; it’s for anyone who wants to feel more in control of their thoughts and emotions.

EQ: Your Secret Superpower

So, there you have it – Emotional Intelligence (EQ). It’s your secret superpower for navigating life’s ups and downs with grace. Whether you’re facing a defeat on the football field or a bump in a friendship, EQ is your guide to handling it like a pro.

Don’t let anger or negativity rule your decisions. Embrace failures and criticism as stepping stones to greatness. Practice empathy to build better relationships, and explore mindfulness and meditation to boost your emotional IQ.

EQ isn’t about suppressing your feelings; it’s about understanding and harnessing them. It’s your path to becoming the hero of your own story, facing challenges with courage, and spreading positivity in your world.

“To learn more about the topic, do check out this cool video :

Do you have any questions for Science Lab? Post them in the comments box below. We will respond to them in our upcoming articles. Please don’t put any personal information . 

Cool down time 

After a big argument, emotions can be high and words can be hurtful. First things first, take a breather. Put on some music, write in your journal, take a walk, or just talk to yourself in the bathroom (seriously, it helps!). Letting things cool down is like hitting the reset button. Give each other space to untangle those messy emotions.

Stay calm, no grumps 

Even though you’re upset, you don’t need to give your friend/ partner the silent treatment or explode like a volcano. Tell them that you’re not ready to talk yet but that you’re working on it. This stops things from getting worse and shows that you care.

The power of apologies 

Saying sorry is like magic. When you’re ready, genuinely apologize if you messed up. If your friend says sorry first, listen and accept their effort to make things right. Then, talk about why you fought in the first place.

Sorry isn’t the whole story 

Apologies are cool, but don’t stop there. Dig deep and talk about why the fight happened. It’s like fixing a leak instead of just wiping up the water. This step might be a bit tricky, but it’s important. Don’t let those argument ghosts sneak up on you!

Make a gesture

Show your care with a cool gesture. It could be a sweet note, a surprise ice cream treat, or even a chore they’ve been bugging you about. Think about what your friend would love. Go ahead and be cheesy – it’s fun and heartfelt.

Stop texting, go meet them! 

Physical touch is powerful. So don’t just say that sorry on the phone/text but go out and meet them! Give them a little hug, or simply sit next to them. Physical closeness can make you feel better and bring you back together.

When it’s time to move on 

In situations where the fight involves something significant that goes against your values – like a friend being a bully, cheating, or lying about something crucial – it’s okay to consider moving on or breaking up. Your well-being matters most.

Photo: Shutterstock/Person in the photo is a model, names changed.

Do you have any questions that are bothering you? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember no rude words or personal information in the comment box!