One idea is to join one of every kind of activity: one athletic, one academic, and one artistic. You could be on the basketball team, on the school newspaper, and in choir. It’ll look good on your college resume, too.
If you do want to be popular, it’s a good idea to befriend one of the nicer popular people; they’ll be your ticket into “the group. " Just make sure you don’t abuse people on your way up. Sometimes friends don’t work out, and then the rejects won’t even want you later when you need a friend. [1] X Research source
You probably have a pretty good grip on how to be friendly. The only thing to keep in mind is to be friendly to those people that you think aren’t cool. Give them help when you sense they need it. Say hi in the hallways if you know them. You never know – they could be the next cool kid in a few months’ time.
Here’s an example: let’s say this person you don’t really know asks you out on a date. You say no. Then, they start sending you love letters. You still say no. Then flowers. Next thing you know, they’re outside your door at night. They are trying really, really hard. Is it working? No. In fact, it’s the opposite of working. You wish they had a little self-respect and you just want them to go away.
This is where style comes into play. The skaters have their style, the plastics have their style, the nerds have their style, etc. We’re all different and nothing is necessarily better than anything else. If someone is judging you, they’re caught up in their small, closed mind. They’re not going anywhere anyway, so don’t get on the friend train with them. It’s a one-way ticket to a dead end.
Don’t spread gossip or start rumors. Don’t make negative comments. Just because you don’t like someone, or something they’ve done, doesn’t mean you need to voice that. Don’t exclude others. After all, you’re reading this because you want people to like you.
A good way to make friends is to make them laugh. If you’re cracking jokes at another’s expense, just make sure they get it that it’s in good fun. And try to stay away from making fun of teachers – that can easily backfire.
And will it rub off on others? Probably. Some studies say that just being around other happy people makes us more likely to be happy; and hanging around sad people makes us more likely to be sad. So could you be that beacon of light for your friends? Of course!
Try not to put a fake one on either. Keep it natural. Most people can see through a fake smile. If you stay positive, having a genuine smile shouldn’t be too hard to come by.
Think about it: only you can really be you: no one else can. You’re unique and have a set of characteristics and skills that no one else around you has. You can offer the world something different. So why try to be a second-rate version of someone else? You are definitely cooler than anything else “you” can be.
In short, being cool is temporary. Eventually, as we age, we realize that “cool” doesn’t really exist. We move on and we all start to do our own thing because it’s what makes us happy. If the cool isn’t coming easy to you, just wait. It gets easier with time.
It’s also a good idea to wash your face regularly. Pre-adolescence and adolescence is a breeding ground for acne and black heads, and washing your face can combat that. If you’re worried about sweating during the day thanks to the weather or gym class, keep a stick of deodorant, talcum powder or a good-smelling spray in your locker or bag. Antiseptic deodorants are advisable.
If you don’t like your hair currently, get it cut. No idea what kind of cut? Odds are your hairstylist will be able to tell you what kind of cut will look good with the shape of your face. You could get highlights or a different color, too.
If you feel like you look good, you’ll walk around acting like you look good, and others will follow suit. So much of personality is confidence. You don’t have to be especially beautiful or especially smart or especially funny; you just have to be confident and the rest of the world may just be fooled.
Being cool is also about being a leader and doing your own thing – not about being a follower. Don’t worry about the people who judge you about your clothing and those that are trying so hard to blend in (these are often the same people). Your own sense of style will attract those who also have their own sense of style.
