Kevin and Matt have been best friends for years.  They choose each other for partner work at school and always hang out together at lunch and after school.



In the middle of the school year, Jonah joined Kevin and Matt’s class.  It was Jonah’s first day and he didn't have any friends yet.



Matt felt sorry for Jonah and asked him if he would like to be his partner for a math assignment.  Jonah smiled and said, "Sure".



Kevin was disappointed that Matt had not asked to be his partner.



Usually, Kevin shared his supplies with Matt in math class.  Today, however, Kevin would not let Matt borrow his protractor.



Kevin was still hurt that Matt chose to work with the ‘new kid’ in math class.  When Matt asked Kevin to play with Jonah and him at lunch time, Kevin said ‘No, I'm going to find someone else to hang out with.”



Matt spent lunchtime with Jonah, but he missed hanging out with Kevin.



Kevin was alone at lunchtime, feeling hurt and angry that Jonah was playing with Matt.



Both Matt and Kevin felt miserable.  They missed the comfortable routine of spending their free time together.  Matt decided to wait until they were alone and asked Kevin if he would like to talk about how both of them are feeling.



Matt decided to go first, "So hey, I noticed that you have been avoiding me ever since I asked Jonah to be my partner in math class.  It makes me sad when you don't want to play with me at lunch."

"Yah, I understand that you are feeling unhappy about me not hanging with you at lunch.  For me, I felt sad when you were Jonah's partner instead of mine.  I tried to pretend that my feelings weren't hurt when I didn't lend you my protractor."



Matt stated, "I need to feel that it's okay to have other friends and that you will still be my best friend.  How about after school we still chill together, just the two of us, and at lunch we let Jonah play basketball with us.  He's really good at it and he's also very good at math, like you.  I think you will really like him."

Kevin conceded, "I guess you're right. We can still be best friends and play video games together after school.  Who knows, maybe I will like Jonah."



"I am sorry for how I acted," said Kevin. "I felt terrible inside.  I am glad that we are friends again."

"Me too."  replied Matt.  "Want to come over and game at my house?"

"Yah, sure."  Both boys had honestly expressed how they were feeling, and were able to continue being friends.



Matt and Kevin continued to be best friends.  At lunch, Jonah played basketball with them and they all had fun.