Study Smart:First Aid

Help! How do you become popular?

The Problem...

Dear Study Smart: How do you become popular? From Popularity Depressed.

A Solution...

How do you become popular? Hmm... I bet that lots of kids out there look at others that they consider popular and say "If only I could be as pretty as Becky!" or "What I would give to have as many friends as John!"

If you've noticed, usually kids who are popular are:

1. Out going
2. Friendly and
3. Have a great self image.

Well, that is because people like that draw others to them. You can't be popular if you keep to yourself all the time and never smile or talk! The best thing to do is to think of things that make you like other people. Try your best to smile alot and talk to people.

Here is a list of things that might help you to become well liked and more popular:

1. Smile, smile, smile!-- It is more likely for people to like you if you smile and not frown. Smiling shows that you like people and have a happy personality.

2. Spread positive gossip. Dump the negative gossip like "Oh my gosh! Did you see that nerdy sweater that Jake was wearing last night?". That will NOT improve your popularity at all! Try saying stuff to people like "Wow! Last night Matt scored 5 goals in hockey! He's really good at it!" This will make people see that you like them and are nice.

3. Talk to people.-- Don't be shy! If you see someone who you've seen before say something like, "Hi. You look really familliar! Don't we have 3rd period Math together or something?" This will be a helpful conversation starter and will help you meet people.

4. Try to keep a good self image.-- I mean both inside and outside. It is very important to look tidy because people don't really want to be with a person who has hair flying out everywhere, or sloppy clothes on and especially who smells weird!

5. Keep a really good self image inside too. I mean, feal good about yourself. In the morning look in the mirror and say to yourself "Courtney (or whoever you are), you are pretty and talented and I LIKE ME!" If you want people to like you than you have to like yourself first!

6. Get involved.-- If you want to be popular then you have to meet people. To meet people you have to be with people. Try out for the school play or the cheerleading squad. Be with people and meet people!

7. Laugh at your self-- Don't let your mistakes get you down! I am awful at sports! When I'm in Physed and I miss the ball in Volleyball I don't say "You're so dumb Amy!" I just laugh along with the others and say "Well, I guess this is not my best sport, but who's perfect?" Don't feel bad. Never let people laugh AT you, make sure that they laugh WITH you!

Follow these suggestions, and remember, you're really special! Don't let any one ever convince you other wise, k?

Thanks to Amy H, 14 for writing this answer, to Popularity Pressed for the Question, and to Meg for editing this article.