I used to feel very shy at school. On the playground, I would see kids laughing and running together, and I wanted to join so badly. But my feet felt like they were stuck to the ground, and my heart beat so fast that no words could come out. Maybe you've felt that way too—wanting a friend, but feeling too nervous to speak.
One Small Hello
One afternoon, I noticed another kid sitting alone under a tree. He had a notebook in his lap and was sketching quietly. My stomach filled with butterflies, but I told myself, "Just one word. Just say hello."
I walked over, took a deep breath, and whispered, "Hi." He looked up, smiled, and said "Hi" back. That tiny moment felt like a door opening. I glanced at his notebook and said, "I like to draw too."
From then on, we started drawing together during recess. We traded ideas, laughed at silly doodles, and little by little, he became one of my closest friends.
What I Learned About Friendship
I learned that making a new friend doesn't need a big speech or a clever joke. Sometimes a quiet ''hi'' is strong enough. Even when you feel shy, you carry bravery inside you. And somewhere nearby, there may be another person hoping for a friend-maybe hoping for you.
When You Feel Shy at School
If you ever feel too shy to join in, try these gentle steps:
- Look for someone who is also alone—they may be wishing for a friend too.
- Start with a small hello or a smile. That's often enough to begin.
- Talk about something simple you notice—like a drawing, a game, or a book.
- Remember: being shy doesn't mean you can't make friends. It just means you start quietly.
Friendship doesn't always arrive with a big moment-it often begins with one small hello. And that one word could change your whole day.