If it is super important that you are popular though, just wear all the right close, go to the right places, and do the wrong things. That usually works pretty well. Don’t forget to be nice to people.

First the simples:

Take a shower every day

Gel your hair up

wear “cool” clothing

have a thing (easiest thing is to be the “strong guy” but just have something that people know you by…like watching a TV show, being smart etc)

Thing to do:

Hang out with the people that are popular and force them to hang out with you…this is a hard thing in the beginning but they’ll eventually get used to it.

Do things with them…call them up after school one by one if you have to. Just hang out with them. Do thing unique like watching a basketball game and inviting them to come. They’ll tell the other guys how fun it was or what they did that day and whom they did it with.

What they are interested in, you become interested in. If they like basketball, practice everyday, watch them play and improve your technique, play in fantasy leagues to know the players so you can talk about it when they do…

Good Luck

Rule #2: Smile and say “Hey there” or “What’s up” with a nod to potential friends in the hallway.

Rule #3: Never lie or spread mean gossip. It WILL come back to haunt you. Think of yourself as the “You know me, I love everyone” guy/gal. That said, an eye roll or or chuckle while shaking your head listening about someone is acceptable.

Rule #4: When an embarrassing situation arises, make fun of yourself before anyone else can. Try silly comments like these: “Sweet Jesus in a sidecar, what the hell was I thinking?”, “Can’t take me in public, can ‘ya?”, “Dude, I am straight up freaktarded today”.

Rule #5: Join stuff. What kind of stuff you ask? Whatever you think you can handle. From sports to yearbook staff. You’ll have an instant posse. No matter what your social standing, there is strength in numbers.

Rule #6: Stay current on pop culture. Movies, TV, music, etc. Read PerezHilton.com if you want to have the low down before the other young un’s!! If you’re a dude, practice Will Farrell or Adam Sandberg lines. If you’re a chick, read up on your idols and decide who you aren’t down with and why. Then, seek out people that have the same taste in celebs. That said, don’t obsess on one celeb. It’s dorky to overdo it.

Rule #7: Listen to the other person talk 60% of the time, and talk about yourself only 40% of the time. Initially, at least. People LOOOOVE to talk about themselves. When you’re talking about yourself, stick to the highlights, nothing boring. When listening, pay close attention, nod or agree where appropriate, and encourage their direction by throwing in “I hear ya” or “You have GOT to be kidding!!” By showing you’re a good listener, yet still have a cool personality of your own, you’ll win fans.

Rule #8: Ban all jealousy in yourself. Someone has it good? Think, “hey, that’s awesome!” Be supportive of everyone, and they’ll be supportive of you.

Rule #9: Compliments, compliments, compliments. Like someone’s shirt? Tell them so. Impressed with someone’s talent, let them know. Don’t over do it, you don’t want them to think you’re flirting. Just a sentence or two will do: “Dude, you NAILED it!” or (if you’re a chick” “OMG Jessi I looove those shoes! They are way! too! cute!!!!” And don’t fixiate the compliments on one person or everyone will think you have a crush. Spread the love around.

In the looks department, keep everything about yourself as clean and groomed as possible. Think of antiperspirant and fingernail clippers/file as important as food and water. Keep mints with you. Check your appearance before AND after lunch (check for boogers or food dried on the corners of your mouth!!) Keep a spare T-Shirt in your bag or locker for food spill emergencies.

Not sure what to do with your hair? Talk to someone young and hip looking wherever you get yours done. Not sure how to dress? Don’t copy anyone exactly, but pay attention to reoccurring themes: lengths, layers, shoe styles, colors. If you see something more than 4 times and think it’s kind of cool, see if you can work it into your wardrobe. Even better, whether you’re a girl or guy, ask a high school girl (someone’s big sister or someone in the neighborhood) to help you out. Older girls don’t usually mind helping out someone in middle school in the clothes/looks dept. Be blunt and self depreciating when you ask, “Hey Kaitlyn, I need your help big time. I seriously need wardrobe advice.”

good is get on the football, basketball, wrestling etc. team uuuch

bad is hang with the freaks/”wrong” crowd

I’m 1 of the freaks. I know.