Steemit Engagement Challenge | S14W1 | Do You Want to Become Popular?

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Walk past a window… stop… look at hair
Walk past a mirror… stop… look at hair
Walk to the microwave… stop.. look at hair

Let me introduce you to my teenage son, Divan. His looks and his popularity are his everything.

Let’s admit that the desire to be popular is something that most of us have experienced in our lives especially when we were also teenagers

Walk past a window… stop… the window is dirty
Walk past a mirror… stop… shocked. I’m getting old
Walk to the microwave… stop… what can I do in 5 minutes

This is me and so many all over the globe. No longer does looks or popularity play a vital role in our lives.

Do I want to become popular or not?

For me, there are only two reasons why the quest for us to be popular happens.

1. It is a desire for acceptance
2. It is a desire for validation

Not by ourselves but by others.

Take Divan as an example. In his case being popular can bring about a sense of belonging among his school friends and it can boost his self-esteem. It seems that if you are not part of the popular group these days you become a target for bullying.

Shocking is that these days they look at how popular you are before you become a class leader or even a prefect.

For me, the answer is, NO! Popularity is something that I won’t strive for anymore.

As I said, once upon a time I was also a teenager. Luckily for me it was not time that changed things for me but it was myself. The desire to be liked, admired, or recognized, in the pursuit of popularity is no longer an aspiration for me.

I have my family, I have my home, and I have my career. I am more than happy with who I am and what people see in me.

My daughter has a wonderful saying, “Mom, we take it from whoever it comes.”

Does how you become popular matter?

I agree that popularity can bring about positive outcomes but it is of utmost importance to consider the ways in which it is achieved not to mention the impact it may have on the others.

In Divan’s case, it seems that the majority of teenagers will go to the extreme to be popular. As a parent, you do your utmost best to give your children the best upbringing that you can. We tell our children that fulfilling aspirations, goals, and dreams at the expense of others is not worth it.

He remembers the values and ethics we’ve been drilling into him since a small boy.

For me, it is, oh yes! As I mentioned earlier how one becomes popular matters greatly. Building a genuine reputation based on respect, kindness, and compassion is far more meaningful than achieving popularity through manipulation, deception, or disparaging others.

I would take it one step further and say that it is important to prioritize genuine connections and personal fulfillment over the fleeting and often superficial nature of popularity.

The qualities that make a person popular

I had to call on Divan himself to answer this one and was shocked by his answers. You might be too.

1. Funny
2. Playing pranks
3. Pretty or handsome
4. “Cool” (laid back)
5. Sporty

For me, there are five main qualities that can make a person popular.

1. Friendliness
2. Approachability
3. A good sense of humor
4. Honesty and
5. Confidence

Someone who can connect with others on a personal level and make them feel valued is likely to attract attention and admiration.

Intelligence, tolerance, and talent are also factors that can contribute to popularity. People are naturally drawn to those who show these qualities.

The pros and cons of becoming popular

I am going to leave Divan out of this one. It is time to give him a rest.

Being popular can lead to opportunities and social connections that may not have been possible otherwise. Oh yes, let’s not forget that special treatment you receive when you are popular.

It is my view that people often associate popularity with success and also influence which can be appealing to many which is not always right.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I, got called to a meeting by one of South Africa’s top mortgage originators. The excitement ran high as we expected that they were interested in acquiring our business. We were met and escorted to the boardroom where we waited with some of the executive management for the managing director.

On his arrival, all his staff stood up. Hubby and I just look at each other in disbelief. Yes, he was well-known and popular in the real estate industry and he had influence but for executive staff to stand up was a bit “far-fetched” in our eyes.

On the flip side of the coin, the pursuit of being popular often comes at a high price and with its own set of drawbacks. There is constant pressure on you to maintain a certain image and meet the expectations others have set for you. This can lead to you having feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

Furthermore, popularity can attract jealousy and resentment and may lead to superficial relationships based on status rather than genuine connection.

In closure, the decision to seek out popularity is a personal one. It is not for us to judge. However, it is of utmost importance to weigh the potential pros and cons carefully.

I invite: @ogechukwu-martha @bongk @fadlymatch @basil20

CC: @aviral123 @max-pro @rahmat31 @robin42 @leonciocast

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