We’ve all been there: Your bestie asks if you like her new shirt, and to be honest, it’s totally not your thing. But before you let her know what you think of her taste, think about how the poor girl would feel. Fashion victims have feelings, and your brutal comments will probably ruin her day. That’s not to say you should lie, but if you tend to go for nasty remarks, you need to filter what you say. You can be open, honest and a good friend without being hurtful – just think about the consequences of your actions before you do the deed.

Everyone has insecurities. Maybe you can’t stand your hair or you’re super self-conscious about your ears. You aren’t alone, everyone has those soft spots. So if you know your girl is embarrassed by her voice, don’t mock her with a funny impression. It’ll hurt more than anything else you could say, so joke about something else. Someone’s insecurities shouldn’t be your punch line.

Bullying is often a result of being unable to deal with your own problems. Grades got ya feelin’ blue? There’s no need to put down every A+ student in your class. Whether you’re fighting with your bestie, struggling with your sis or fretting over family finances, bullying won’t solve anything. Instead, direct your energy to fixing the situation. For more ideas on how to save yourself from stress, click here.

Finally, get a fresh start by making a sincere attempt to start over. Saying sorry can be hard, and sometimes even awkward, but it’s worth the chance to start anew. Promise you won’t repeat your bad behavior, and when school rolls around, stick to your no-bullying resolution. Good luck, girls!