I learned an important lesson when I was thirteen. I used to think that being popular was the most important thing in the world. I wanted everyone to like me and I would do anything to fit in with the cool kids.

One day, I realized that the people I was trying so hard to impress weren’t really my friends. They only liked me because I was doing what they wanted me to do. I felt really alone and sad.

That’s when I learned that it’s more important to be true to yourself than to try to please others. Real friends will like you for who you are, not for what you can do for them.

Now, I focus on being kind and honest, and I’ve made some amazing friends who accept me for who I am. It’s a much better feeling than trying to be someone I’m not just to fit in.