In the article, entitled, “Being Popular”, the author presents the question, “...is it all worth the change, to be something that you’re not, to make others acknowledge your presence?(para. 1 Nanshal). When one yearns for acknowledgement, it most likely means they don’t receive it, and consequently aren’t accepted socially. In theory, one won’t risk ruining their future or change themselves only to fit in - that’s in theory. The author explains his encounter and approach to dealing with non acceptance, “...I began not trying much in school, and focusing more on how to make my peers respect me more and not bash me for being fat and smart. I wanted them to make me feel like one of them, like the “popular” part of society. My next report card, my mother was furious; she wanted to know why I had a 68 average”(Nanshal para. 1). The opportunity to fit in arose for the author, and as any desperate person would do, he dropped everything for it. The author mentions his mother and her furiosity towards his report card, displaying her concern for his school performance. The people in one’s life that look out for them most is most likely their family. The reason for someone to disobey and ignore the people who are trying to help them the most just for validation from the people who couldn’t care less of their well being is not a logical one. Struggling to fit in because of failed acceptance is a …show more content…
It is said by the author about the ways confidence effects dealing with conflict, “When you’re not confident about dealing with conflict, you tend to doubt your abilities, second guess yourself, and be hesitant about trusting your own judgement”(Pridgen para. 2). Confidence is key when dealing with conflict. Lack of confidence only leads to more conflict. Results of low confidence are stated in the text, “Perhaps your experiences with conflict in the past have not ended well, and so your tendency is to shy away, not engage the other person, or just plain avoid any kind of conversation or confrontation”(Pridgen para. 3). When confidence is low because of encounters with non acceptance, one is letting go of the ability to persevere and encounter new situations that will build their confidence. If low confidence is what someone settles for, there’s not much room for growth. Denied acceptance leading to trials can go one of both ways: it can lead to personal growth and strong confidence or stay in a timid