Gulf News

First-hand advice...

- MY IDEA OF COOL

What does it take to be cool? Having a laugh, playing football, getting to know cheerleade­rs. Even if you’re not from the US, that’s what you dream of. I remember when I was in high school how I had to act tough and cool, so I could join the popular group in school. I was a member of the “cool group” and joined university a year ago. Because of my experience, I’m here to give you some tips on how to be cool.

First – the benefits

Being cool will get you many benefits. By being cool, you become popular. By being popular, you will be able to sit at the table will the ‘cool’ kids. By being popular, you will always be invited to parties. You’ll also be the dream of every other ‘not cool’ student. Finally, the biggest benefit is that everybody will respect you and do everything to please you.

How to become cool?

On the other hand, becoming cool is expensive and can be challengin­g. There are four steps you will have to follow: 1 You can’t worry about silly things, you should be relaxed, chilled and laugh at other people’s jokes (doesn’t matter if it’s funny or not). Cool people have simple humour, which may not entertain you, but you should pretend you enjoy it.

2 You need to have good knowledge of the sport that is considered ‘cool’ in the environmen­t you are in, and be good at it. Cool people are good at sports. 3 You need to buy expensive, trendy clothes (never said cool is cheap).

4 Your Instagram account must have at least 10K followers. You are not cool if you have less than 10K followers.

Disadvanta­ges of ‘becoming’ cool

So becoming cool has only one disadvanta­ge - there’s no advantage. Changing the way you are and acting superficia­lly to fit into a certain definition of ‘cool’ is the silliest thing someone could possibly do.

[On the other hand] being yourself will always lead you to the right group of friends, where you have a much greater chance to develop friendship­s that might last for the rest of your life. By not being yourself, you will be missing the chance to know yourself better in such a crucial time of your life. Trust me, I’ve been in your place. So please, don’t worry, and be yourself.

 ?? Picture is for illustrati­ve purpose only ??
Picture is for illustrati­ve purpose only

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