How to be liked by your peers while remaining true to yourself

The number one rule is never backstab, and by this I mean do not make fun of or talk bad about a person behind their back. By doing so you may think you are winning alot of friends, especially if you are speaking to a group of friends, but it only sets you up as the fool.

After you have gone, your friends will undoubtedly talk about what a backstabber you are. They wil not want to associate with someone like you in fear of being backstabbed themselves. In fact they will openly express their feelings about the very low behaviour you just displayed, and by doing so they can make you look very bad while simultaneously making themselves look very good for thinking what you did was horrid and not something they would ever dream of doing.

If you have something bad to say, do not say it at all. I understand the occasional urge to diss someone off but if you must do it, share your feelings with only the most trusted friend, and do so only if this person also tells you their feelings. In the case that you and your friend have a fight, you should have peace of mind that this person is mature and has enough respect for you to not spread around your secrets. If someone really does something that you do not appreciate the most sensible thing would be for you to go and tell them your feelings, this prevents you from looking like a fool and also gains you respect from your peers. Being brave and upfront is a quality that many will value, and you will end up with more friends as it is an asset to them to have a friend who is not afraid to hold their own and possibly help their friends too.

Now by being upfront, do not be nasty. If someone's actions are displeasing but have not harmed you in any way, do not create a fuss. Play it cool and just ignore them or their actions, you do not want to be seen as a control freak.

Remember to offer compliments to your friends only if you truly belive believe it and not all the time, this makes the compliments you do give more valuable. If you are pleasant to talk to, have a good sense of humour and do not take things too seriousy you will undoubtedly make many friends. But remember it's your morals and ethics that keep those friends.

It is important too to dress appropriately, and have good hygiene. A clean person with pleasantly mild deodorant or perfume will of course attract more friends than those who never brush their hair or have a shower once a week.

Even with all this, chances are some people will just not like you, not many, but just some. These people are not even worth your time. If you have not done anything wrong to them and they seem to dislike you just ignore it, concentrate on how lucky you are to have the friends you do. If someone ever criticises you, take on board their advice and consider it. No one is perfect so you can always better yourself as you strive for perfection.

Most importantly be yourself and you will be surprised at what you can achieve!