“Cassandra, I want to share something with you: I’m not very popular with my classmates. I am not the smartest or the cutest or the best athlete, so I don’t seem to have a place. I want to be accepted by others, but usually I am left out of the conversation – or searching for someone to be my partner in a project. What do you think is the best way to make people like me?”
I can relate to what you are saying. When I was 12 years old, my parents moved our family to a new neighborhood. It was November, and most of the kids had been in school for several months. They had already found who their best friends were and whom they wanted for partners in assigned projects.
I remember it so well. I walked into the classroom and everyone just stared at me. The teacher introduced me and told the class to say hello. That was the only time anyone spoke to me all day. Everyone was busy with what was important to him or her and no one took the time to talk to me. I sat by myself during lunch and then I just stood around alone at gym class.
A few teachers asked me questions, but that was it. The next few days were basically the same. Then I decided I wanted to get to know some of the children, and I was tired of being left out, so I started asking them questions. Just about everyone likes to talk about themselves. Kids started opening up to me. Not everyone was friendly, but I did find a few friends I could be with.
As I started talking to them and sharing my thoughts, our friendships started to grow. Then they made room for me in their circle of friends. I also auditioned for chorus, which gave me an opportunity to be in a play where I met more people.
I know it is hard to meet people. I also know not everyone is going to be nice to you – but don’t let that stop you from being the unique person that you are.
You will start to make friends, but you probably will have to approach them. This will allow you the ability to find out who will be good for you to hang out with and who won’t.
Whatever you do, never change or compromise your ways just to be accepted by others. You want a friend who loves you for you – not for what you can do for that person.
It might take a little time, but I am sure you will soon have plenty of friends. Keep your head up, and keep confident in yourself. Until you find those friends just enjoy being with you. After all, you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else.
Thanks for sharing.
