The VALiens

• If you have any trouble remembering to have your imaginary friend around with you at times, try the old fashioned “string on your finger” trick or be more stylish and wear a ring on a finger you don’t usually wear one on.
  • Having that there will feel different and constantly cause you to think about your imaginary friend.
  • By the time you’ve grown used to the ring, you probably have become used to having your new imaginary friend around as well.
• You could draw a picture of them, scan it into a computer, and use a software device to make it look more realistic, then print it off, and put it in a frame! You could put you in it as well, and put a picture of somewhere (eg. Florida) in the background!
• If you are giving these tips to a smaller sibling, make sure they don’t name it after one of their real friends.
• You can have most fun with an imaginary friend who shares similar interests.
• Your imaginary friend doesn’t need to be the same age as you.
  • Older imaginary friends are wiser with lots of good advice. These are useful when you need someone to say “keep your cool” when things are getting a bit too stressful.
  • Younger imaginary friends might need more looking after. Maybe you found them in a forest and adopted them – but they don’t know anything about politeness or etiquette. This is good for when you’re really bored because there is lots to tell them.
  • Imaginary friends the same age go through the same experiences as you so are great when you need someone really understanding.
• Don’t stop at one imaginary friend. Sometimes your emotions require different personalities to settle. try and link them all in some way though so they know each other. Related perhaps, or a group of friends?
• An imaginary friend can make a great character for a story you might be writing. You can even write a story about what you do together.
• Use your best imagination
• And last, remember, if they don`t want to play, don`t make them. Just because you made them you dont get to boss them around.
• In fact, you can visualize them in real life, but maybe a little see through. It’ll make it more fun.
• Make sure that you hold this friend dear, for you wouldn’t want them to leave and find someone else.
• You can also have an imaginary pet!

Warnings

• Do not accidentally sit on your imaginary friend. After all, would you like to be sat on? They certainly won’t like it.
• Don’t give them the same name as yourself or a close family member/friend. This is just confusing.
• When telling secrets to an imaginary friend, make sure there is no one eavesdropping.
• Don’t talk to them when anyone is looking – people might think that you’re crazy.
• Do not show a drawing of your imaginary friend to someone who might copy you… unless you don’t care.
• People might think you are weird and/or make fun of you.
• You shouldn’t care what other people think if they make fun of you.
• Keep your imaginary friend a secret.
• Don’t fall in love or date with your imaginary friend it may become a sticky situation.