'Popularity'.

Time and time again I have a discussion with someone on the topic of popularity. Worries of not being popular, not being in the popular group or not having a 'clique'. And I can tell you that every single time it's about school.

I'm sure you are aware if you have ever set foot in high school, even primary school as a matter of fact that society is divided, no matter where you look. Whether it is by race, class, interests, gender, there are rough lines of division which create the cliques you see from day to day.

I'm sure everyone will tell you that popularity isn't everything and the reason is because it isn't. Yeah, it's cool being everyone's friend and the top of the gossip list, but is constant attention what you really crave? Having to continuously keep up appearances in sake of a good reputation and 'popularity'. What even is 'popularity'? Well, this is Google's definition:

Note where it says 'supported by many people'. So apparently, popularity is about being appreciated by loads of people.

Whoever you hang out with appreciates you, your friends, your family, dozens of people appreciate your existence. So in essence, you are 'popular'.

I'm guessing the overall assumption of a popular person is someone (at school) who everyone wants to rub shoulders with and is envied by many. Someone who is 'perfect'. If perfection even exists. Let's look up that definition too.

A 'perfect' person or thing is without fault and I'm sure you are aware that nobody is without fault, therefore nobody can ever be perfect.

Now back on to the topic of popularity.

Some people don't have a 'clique'. A group of people they can identify with, a place they can fit in. No matter how hard you try, you just can't find anyone who understands you. Trust me I know the feeling of feeling alone and having no one to hang out with. Wondering why you have no friends. It's depressing and makes you miserable.

But guess what? Try harder. Talk to people. Don't. Give. UP. You want to have a 'clique'? You don't care about popularity? Then, despite your better judgement, never stop being positive, friendly and willing to make friends. Why? Because eventually, you will meet a group of people who love you and care about your existence as much as you care about theirs, and it will all be worth it. You're the new kid, so what; be brave. You're picked on, go and tell someone and make the best decision you've ever made in your life, stop the harassment and rise above it.

Popularity. It means nothing. If you're not in the 'popular group' then so what. You are special and amazing in your unique way. Once you and I out of high school, you'll realise that popularity in high school means nothing in the real world.

School shapes you for the real world. All of your experiences will form the person you turn out to be, so yes not being popular will make you feel unhappy and pissed off, but after being angry and upset and annoyed, you will realise that you were 'popular' all along because even though you are unaware, you aren't invisible.

Bex