Focus on these instead of chasing popularity:
* Be yourself: Trying to be someone you're not will be exhausting and ultimately unsuccessful. People are drawn to authenticity. Embrace your quirks and interests.
* Be kind and respectful: Treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their social status. This includes teachers, classmates, and even those you might not initially click with. Kindness goes a long way.
* Be confident (but not arrogant): Believe in yourself and your worth. Confidence is attractive, but arrogance is a turn-off. Learn to stand up for yourself and your beliefs respectfully.
* Develop your interests: Join clubs, sports teams, or other activities that genuinely interest you. This allows you to meet like-minded people and build friendships based on shared passions.
* Be a good listener: People appreciate being heard. Practice active listening skills and show genuine interest in what others have to say.
* Be approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and be open to interacting with others. Don't isolate yourself.
* Find your friends: Focus on building genuine friendships with people who value you for who you are, not for your popularity. A few close friends are better than a large group of superficial acquaintances.
* Manage your online presence: Be mindful of your social media activity. Avoid posting anything that could embarrass you or others.
Things to avoid:
* Chasing the "popular crowd": Trying to fit into a specific group just to be popular often backfires. Authenticity is more attractive than trying to be someone else.
* Gossiping: Avoid spreading rumors or talking negatively about others. This will damage your reputation and relationships.
* Being mean or bullying others: This is never acceptable and will ultimately hurt your chances of building positive relationships.
* Focusing solely on appearance: While looking your best is important, inner qualities and character matter more in the long run.
Ultimately, true popularity stems from genuine connection and respect. Focus on being a good person, building meaningful relationships, and developing your own interests, and you'll find yourself surrounded by people who appreciate you for who you are. Junior high is a temporary phase, and the definition of "popular" changes constantly. What truly matters is developing strong self-esteem and meaningful connections.