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Hi there,
Thanks for your message. I can hear that youve gone through a difficult time recently with your best friend. It doesnt sound like this friendship is making you happy. It sounds like it is actually making you feel quite hurt and sad.
Perhaps you could take time to think about the type of friendship you would like to have. Some friendships are fun, others are more serious, but they should always be caring and respectful. A friend is someone you should feel comfortable spending time with. You asked if this girl is really your true friend. Thats hard for anyone but you to decide, but from what youve told me, it sounds like you dont enjoy this friendship. You said that shes run away and left you on your own, and that shes hurt you. Neither of those things sound kind or respectful to me.
Well done for talking to the adults in your life about this. Its good that they have been able to give you advice. It sounds like trying to make the friendship better hasnt really worked for you so far. Perhaps spending six weeks apart from this girl will help you decide whether you want to have her back as a friend when you start school again.
If you decide that she isnt your true friend, you might want to spend time with other people in your school instead. Its worth thinking about how you might meet new friends. Sometimes joining a local youth club or taking part in sports or after school clubs can be a good way of meeting new friends.
Have a look at the information about Friendships in Explore. You can also visit the Friends message board to see some advice from other young people. You might also like to have a go at our Friendship Quiz to find out what sort of friend you are yourself.
ChildLine counsellors are always here if you want to talk some more. You can contact them through email, 1-2-1 chat or using the freephone number 0800 1111.
I hope this helps.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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