Jessica Speer > Quotes

“Navigating conflict is not easy. If you decide to speak with the person you are in conflict with, find a private time and place to talk. Be sure not to involve others in the conflict. Practice what you plan to say so you are calm and confident. Your goal is to speak your truth, take responsibility for your part, and treat others with dignity. This is no easy task, but an important skill to practice over time.”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“Big emotions—like anger, fear, and sadness—can be really uncomfortable. But even uncomfortable feelings are okay. In fact, all emotions are okay. It just takes practice to manage uncomfortable emotions so you can respond in a healthy way.”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“Friendship Truth #3: Friendships have different phases and change over time.”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“Friendship Truth #6: Everyone makes mistakes.”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“Friendships have different phases and change over time. All we can really control is ourselves. Be the type of friend you want to have!”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“The top of the Friendship Pyramid, Close Friends, is small and may only include one or two friends. That’s because close friends are harder to find, and these friendships usually take longer to develop. Don’t worry if you haven’t found any close friends yet; many girls may not have any until middle school or even later.”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“We all have judgmental thoughts sometimes. And we all have the power to keep these thoughts to ourselves.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Everyone has certain qualities that they are drawn to in friends. Keep an eye out for friends that have the qualities you find important in friendship. And, of course, being a good friend is the best way to attract and keep friends too.”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“BFF, bestie, buddy—there are many ways to describe friends. But what really makes a “good” or “close” friend? And why do some friendships feel like a cozy robe, while others feel like a scary movie?”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“If you’ve struggled in a friendship, you’re not alone. Most girls find that, sometimes, friendship feels like a roller coaster. One moment you’re climbing through fun and laughter; the next, you’re plunging into fear or frustration.”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“Whether you have been the target of aggressive behavior or the aggressor, this event does not define you. Every day brings a new opportunity to start again.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“All humans share a deep desire to be treated as something of value. Everyone wants to be seen, heard, listened to, and treated fairly.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“When you notice you're thinking judgmental thoughts, pause. Try to catch yourself before you speak, text or do any harm. You can't get those words back.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Friendship Truth #9: You choose which of your friendships to grow. Grow the healthy ones!”
― Jessica Speer, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends): A Girl's Guide to Happy Friendships

“Everyone makes mistakes. Apologize as needed and do better next time. The biggest lessons in life often grow out of mistakes.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“When stress feels overwhelming, it's important to find support and to take care of yourself while getting your stress level back to a manageable level.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“When the dust settles, kids respect the kids who dare to say no to things they don't want to do.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Everyone's on their own timeline when it comes to crushes. If you decide to enter the world of crushes, find friends that you trust so you can share your feelings and know those feelings will be respected.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“There's nothing wrong with being part of a group. Humans are social, so it's no surprise that people band together. In fact, many important human achievements, like the civil rights movement, are inspired by groups. But group behavior can also create a sense of division.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Of course, mistakes and mess-ups are inevitable. Humans are imperfect, especially in middle school. Go easy on yourself and others. And when all else fails, connect with people and activities that make you smile.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Relationships are where life really happens. Through relationships, including our relationship with ourselves,…we connect, we mess up, we grow and we learn to be our best.”
― Jessica Speer

“Through all the craziness, you learn how YOU want to be. You learn how to navigate changing friendships. You learn how you want to handle social media, gossip, and peer pressure. You survive heartbreak and crushes. You begin to define who you are.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“It's hard when friendships end, but endings lead to new beginnings and new friendships.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Sometimes, stress can be useful and inspire us to tackle challenges. But stress can also feel overwhelming, making us constantly worry about how things will turn out.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Friendship changes are common in middle school. Kids even change what they are looking for in friendship and what qualities they are drawn to in friends.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“The best word to describe middle school friendships is CHANGE. Personalities change, interests change, groups change, and even moods change all the time.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“Everyone looks for different things in friendship, but deep down, everyone is trying to find the same stuff; acceptance and belonging.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure

“When you dwell on the past, you are wasting the limited time you have on this earth. You are missing the beauty of the present moment. Place your attention and energy on the people and activities you love and how you can be of service, here and now. You are human, imperfect, and whole, just as you are.”
― Jessica Speer

“All friendships naturally change over time. But, like crushes, braces, and pimples, friendship changes are especially common in middle school.”
― Jessica Speer, Middle School - Safety Goggles Advised: Exploring the WEIRD Stuff from Gossip to Grades, Cliques to Crushes and Popularity to Peer Pressure