How to Be Popular Without Being Mean

Regardless of what the homecoming king and queen say, everybody wants to be popular. The king and queen shrug off popularity because they have it dripping off their crowns. The rest of the world has to fight for whatever they can get, and one way to win that fight is becoming a "slicer and dicer," an assassinator--in other words a real mean machine. However, in the long run, mean machines are prone to crash and burn. Read on to learn how to be popular without being mean.

Instructions

1. Think of the meanest, most popular person you know. Try to think of the last time you heard someone say that they respected this person. Realize that enduring popularity must involve respect.

2. Commit to going one week without engaging in gossip. Attempt to not saying anything bad about anyone as well as complimenting people when appropriate during that same week.

3. Keep a journal recording every time you were tempted to throw a juicy tidbit into a conversation that was flaying someone's reputation but kept your mouth shut. Also record every time you wanted to nail someone for a stupid comment or bizarre piece of clothing. Finally, record your compliments.

4. Read over the journal when the week is over. The crucial factor you should assess after reading it is whether you respect yourself for having done what you did during that week.

5. Do to a second week, if your self-respect increased because of what you did during the first week.

6. Understand that over a lifetime, the most popular people are those who have earned their own self-respect. Earn that and others will want to be around you. Treat others with respect and they will really want to be around you.

Tips & Warnings

• During your trial week, you don't have to be a Pollyanna--you don't have to sound stupid. Don't stretch for compliments. Be honest. Don't say, "Hey Phil, your acne is lots better today." Do say, "Hey Phil, nice shirt" (if is really is a nice shirt).