How to Hang Out with Older Youth

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Check the Person Out;

   Make sure they don't have a history of bullying or using younger people, or a reputation for unsafe behavior that could get you in trouble or reflect badly on you. , Think about what makes you cool and worthy of hanging out with this person.
   
   Don't adapt your interests or style to this person's whims. , Both love horseback riding? Both excel in art? ,, Say "Hey, I heard you like fishing.
   
   Do you want to go with me and my friend this weekend?" This lets you establish a connection (even if they can't hang out with you right away, you have something to talk about) and shows you're fun and have something to contribute. , (No sucking up!) Say: "I saw the still-life painting you did in Art class.
   
   Wow! Those peaches you drew looked so real and delicious it made me hungry!". ,, Say "Me and a bunch of people from the soccer team are going to get pizza on Friday.
   
   Want to come?"
   
   , Get to know their friends as well. , An older teen can be a great source of advice.
   
   Plus, you allow them to feel cool and knowledgeable. , Suggest activities, find cool music, or introduce your friend to new people.
   
   And be sure to have this person's back like any other good friend. , Your new friend's established buddies may think you'll be "whiney" or a "baby" because of your age.
   
   Keep a cool head, roll with good-natured ribbing (and don't hesitate to dish out some well-intentioned jokes!), and handle any tough situations as rationally as you can.
2. 2

   Step 2: Check out the older youth's reputation before hanging out.

3. 3

   Step 3: Have a firm sense of self .

4. 4

   Step 4: Find out about common interests Do you and the older youth both like the same music?

5. 5

   Step 5: Break the Ice

6. 6

   Step 6: Approach your prospective friend with plans centered around those interests.

7. 7

   Step 7: Compliment them in a sincere way on an accomplishment.

8. 8

   Step 8: Find a mutual friend and suggest all three of you hang out.

9. 9

   Step 9: Invite the person to a group event

10. 10

    Step 10: preferably one with mixed ages and people they may know.

11. 11

    Step 11: Establish a Friendship

12. 12

    Step 12: Include the person in activities with your other friends.

13. 13

    Step 13: Ask questions .

14. 14

    Step 14: Contribute No one likes to feel like someone's "tagging along" or mooching off the "cool" of an older friend.

15. 15

    Step 15: Handle yourself maturely .

Detailed Guide

About the Author