Category Archives: Friendship

LifeTeen.com Blog

Hey, I Just Met You . . . So Let’s Get Married?: Emotional Chastity

By Rachel Allen | May 13, 2013

One day, a handsome, mysterious stranger walked into the shop where I work and I gave him a job. I had no idea where he had come from or how he found me, but we needed the help and he was willing to work. Over time, despite many obstacles, we fell in love…

The Crying Chair

By Alison Griswold | May 6, 2013

The chair had a problem though. While I could sit in it, drink coffee, talk on the phone, and do homework unaffected, I was the only one. For everyone else, it was the “crying chair.” Girls that had been frolicking through the hallway singing N’Sync (which was our One Direction) would see that my door was open and, upon entering and sitting down, would burst into tears. I would sit on my standard-issue desk chair and nod, sympathetically, while they poured out their hearts.

“Help! I’m Pregnant!”: How To Help Your Pregnant Friend

By Mary Bielski | January 15, 2013

It seemed like in one moment, our sophomore year, (our whole life) was changed forever. Two minutes ago we only had to think about cute boys, classes, and our plans for spring break. Now I had to think about baby diapers, stretch marks, and helping Jessica face the possible ridicule and judgment of our peers.

How was I supposed to love and support her? The selfish part of me didn’t want to face this. But the only thing I knew was that my Catholic faith asked me to take courage and stand beside my friend, to believe that God would work it out, and to hope in His promises . . . But sometimes things don’t end as you think it should.

Life Teen Gift Guide 2012

By Life Teen | December 11, 2012

Christmas is right around the corner and gift shopping was sooooo 2 weeks ago.

“But the malls are crowded!”

“But everything is so expensive!”

“But I don’t have time to be creative!”

“But where do I find gifts with a hint of Catholic flare?”

We hear you. That’s why we’re electronically swooping in superhero style to save the day for you with this gift guide. You’re welcome. Feel free to send us the cookies you’ll bake with all the time and money you’ll save. And most importantly, have a blessed Advent preparing your heart for Jesus’ birth.

The Friend Zone: Are you always her friend and never her boyfriend?

By Joel Stepanek | November 5, 2012

In high school I was one of those “nice Christian guys,” you know, the guy who was always the good friend, but not the boyfriend. I used to complain with my other “nice guy” friends about being put into the friend zone, that awkward place when you have feelings for a girl but she just wants to be friends. I’ve been called “a good friend,” “like a brother,” and “a catch . . . for someone else.”

The 5 Phrases of a Cell Phone Addict

By Dom Quaglia | October 23, 2012

Being able to put your phone down and not let life pass you by will certainly help you grow in virtue. God uses all things to reach us, but the twitter account named after Jesus isn’t actually Him. Remember, grace doesn’t come in megabytes. God wants to show His face and His heart to you; don’t give Him the busy signal. Be available when He comes to you.

Bold Manhood

By Aaron Hostetter | August 13, 2012

As a result, “loving your neighbor” has become more of a general accepting of someone for everything they choose to be and do. This idea is summed up as the great “virtue” of tolerance. On the surface, it seems like a great and honorable ideal. Everyone can do what they want without being judged and nobody hurts anyone else’s feelings.

Yet we find something radically different in the biblical vision of love. In the gospel of John, Jesus says “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

8 Ways to Cure a Bad Day

By Christina Mead | June 20, 2012

“I stepped in gum . . . in my bare feet.” “My girlfriend/boyfriend moved to Europe and broke up with me over text.” “I can’t find a summer job; no one wants me.” Maybe you haven’t said one of these things exactly, but I’m sure you know what it feels like to have a bad day. Today my sister Maureen was telling me about her bad day and after I gave her my heartfelt and wise advice she said, “You’re really in the ‘just deal with it’ mode this week, huh?” So Read more [...]

Have You Heard?

By Brian Kissinger | June 18, 2012

The story we concocted was that Mel’s daughter was a high school student who had attended a Steubenville Youth Conference and that she was considering attending Franciscan University the following year. I’ll never forget the hope in his eyes when we told him or the profound look of disappointment and betrayal that followed when we admitted a few days later that it was just a joke. Luke’s reaction was nothing compared to what was coming . . .

YOLO: You Only Live Once

By Alison Griswold | June 12, 2012

If you’re on the interweb, you’ve seen #YOLO unfold in a series of tweets or status updates of shenanigans involving late nights, red bull, and impulsive hair dye. I don’t find the choices in these updates all that inspiring.

When I think of life-changing choices that inspire, I think of my friends Cathleen, Mark, JD and Kate.

Cathleen, Father Mark, Kate and JD made decisions based not on the idea that you only live once, but that their lives are eternal and their actions have eternal consequences for themselves and those they encounter. To put aside the luxuries, rewards or the “easy path” on earth may seem crazy or ill-advised, but following Christ has always been about faith in Christ’s promise that “whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25).

Broke and Bored?: Fun Things to Do for Less Than $5

By Mary Bielski | June 11, 2012

This week I found myself scavenging for loose change under the seats in my car so I could to afford a long anticipated vanilla double-shot latte. It cost me like $5! When did coffee get so expensive? (Okay, that’s another story.)

It seems like everything fun or delicious costs money. You might feel like when money is tight or non-existent the only option on a friday night is to sit and stare at the wall.

What Memories Will You Make at Prom and Graduation?

By Alison Griswold | May 12, 2012

In choosing what you do to commemorate these final days of school, whether after graduation, prom or band practice, at the forefront of our mind and hearts should be this reality that all is a gift from God, to be used for His glory. This doesn’t require walking around yelling, “hallelujah,” but it demands that our actions be a reflection of who we belong to. We are not our own.

Stop Comparing: Jesus Doesn’t Like It

By Christina Mead | May 1, 2012

Last week I ran in a race and a couple times I was reduced to the “I feel hot and nauseous; I’m so over this” jog that is very slow (if you’ve never experienced it for yourself). And you know who did NOT motivate me? The 70 year old next to me who was speed walking at the same (if not a faster) pace than me. Come on. Really?

It’s in moments like this, and other times when I feel like I’m not good enough, that I ask myself, “Why can’t I be more like that person? They must be so much better than I am.”

Dating, Happiness, and Jesus

By Dom Quaglia | April 30, 2012

In this particular relationship after my parent’s divorce, the girl I was dating became everything to me. I drew my worth from her compliments and her attention. I drew my joy from her company. I wasn’t simply finding joy in her and recognizing Christ in her, I was putting her first in my life before Christ.

She was the one I would go to with all my problems. I went to church to see her, not Jesus. And Jesus loved me through it all. When that relationship fell apart, so did I . . .

Community Matters

By Eric Porteous | April 12, 2012

Although there may be times when we face loneliness, whether by choice or by circumstance, as Catholics we’re not asked to walk every aspect of our faith journey alone. This can be difficult for those of us who don’t have support at home or for someone like me who likes to do a lot of things by himself. I’ve discovered though, that as I strive for heaven everyday I need as much help as I can get. It’s your community that cheers you on in this life, encouraging you with their words and actions in the good times and the bad (Proverbs 12:25).

Taming the Jealous Monster Inside You

By Mary Bielski | March 28, 2012

“Great news! I got a promotion . . . and I’m ENGAGED!”

My friend went on and on sharing the romantic story of how her tall, handsome, Catholic man proposed. Everything in her life seemed to be the stuff of her dreams . . . and mine. As she was oozing with excitement, I smiled and was happy for her, but inside I had this strange, silent but sickly feeling of envy. There was this small part of me that wanted her to gain 10 lbs, break out with acne, or just stop talking. (Ok, not my finest moment).

Finding Happiness Beyond Surfing: Pass the Bucket by Vans [Video]

By Christina Mead | March 12, 2012

When this video started I quickly labeled Leila Hurst as “cool” and “popular” and “happy.” I saw a gorgeous, blond, teen surfer who was getting lots of money and fame for doing what she loved. What could be better? As the video went on I saw her close relationship with her sister who has spinal bifida, and how strong the bond of siblings can be if we don’t let our struggles or resentment get in the way. Then I listened more closely to what Leila was saying. This is what I heard: “When Read more [...]

Catholic Advice for Every Girl

By Christina Mead | February 28, 2012

It’s such an honor to be able to write just for you girls this time. I love being able to share with you some of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the past couple years about being a woman and being a Catholic. It took me a long time to learn these things! I hope you can put this advice to good use in your own life.

7 Catholic Dating Tips

By Mary Bielski | February 22, 2012

Whether single or in a relationship, dating can be a wonderful, exciting, intimidating, and sometimes bizarre event. The stress of just figuring out what to wear can send you over the edge. Then there are all the other details. Who is paying? Where do we go? Do we show affection? How do I flirt? Or more importantly, how do we just survive those crippling embarrassing moments. Maybe you are like me and awkward moments never seem to end. If so, here are some fun tips to help your dates go a Read more [...]

I’m Lost: Understanding How Men and Women Communicate

By Mark Hart | February 10, 2012

Also, eye contact is important. How many times does the person you’re speaking to feel they have your undivided attention? Turn off screens – get away from them. Eye contact is the quickest and simplest way to acknowledge Christ in the other.

Now, if you’re having a “conversation” through a screen, ask yourself if that’s the best medium to be using to have that conversation. Words can be misread and mistaken. Do you ever text just “because you don’t want to get into a long conversation?” Go the extra mile. Don’t text when you can call. Don’t call when you can sit face to face. Don’t sit face to face and have your mind in another area code. A huge part of authentic communication is emotional presence, not only physical presence.

Search
Social Connections

Follow @LifeTeen
Life Teen Missions
- The Blessed Life May 22, 2013 Robbie Duginger
- Finding Peace in the Dark May 21, 2013 Robbie Duginger
- Spirit Break Out May 21, 2013 Kiera Regan
- This is Haiti (T.I.H.) May 6, 2013 Paola Flores
- No Place Like Home April 30, 2013 Amanda Cassar

Friendship

Category Archives: Friendship

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

Video LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

LifeTeen.com Blog

Search

Social Connections

Life Teen Missions