It's quite possibly the most commonly used phrase in the history of advice: Be yourself. But it's such a vague adage. What do they really mean when they tell you to be yourself? And is it really as easy as it sounds?


Steps

1. Find yourself. You can't be yourself if you don't know, understand, and accept yourself first.
2. Stop caring about how people perceive you. The fact is, it really doesn't matter. It's impossible to be yourself when you're caught up in wondering "Do they think I'm funny? Does he think I'm fat? Does she think I'm stupid?" To be yourself, you've got to let go of these concerns and just let your behavior flow, with only your consideration of others as a filter—not their consideration of you.
3. Be honest and open. What have you got to hide? You're an imperfect, growing, learning human being. If you feel ashamed or insecure about any aspect of yourself—and you feel you have to hide those parts of you, whether physically or emotionally—then you have to come to terms with that and learn to convert your so-called flaws into individualistic quirks.
4. Relax. Stop worrying about the worst that could happen, especially in social situations. So what if you fall flat on your face? Or get spinach stuck in your teeth? Learn to laugh at yourself both when it happens and afterwards. Turn it into a funny story that you can share with others. It lets them know that you're not perfect and makes you feel more at ease, too.
5. Develop and express your individuality. Whether it's your sense of style, or even your manner of speaking, if your preferred way of doing something strays from the mainstream, then be proud of it.
6. Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and that some days, you're the statue. People might raise eyebrows and even make fun, but as long as you can shrug and say "Hey, that's just me" and leave it at that, people will ultimately respect you for it, and you'll respect yourself.

Tips

• There's a difference between being yourself and being inappropriately unrestrained. You might have your opinions, dreams, and preferences, but that doesn't mean you have to disrespect others by forcing them to acknowledge your views.
• If fads or trends strike your fancy, don't avoid them! Being yourself is all about reflecting who you are inside in what you do, and what you like is what you like, no matter how trendy it is!

Warnings

• Just because you don't care about how people perceive you doesn't mean you shouldn't be aware of it, especially in situations where being yourself might be misinterpreted. For example, you might enjoy being friendly and flirtatious, but in some cultures, that might be perceived as a sexual invitation, and you could get yourself in trouble.

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Yourself

The friendship memento preserves special times spent with treasured friends. It's a perfect project for the end of the school year and a great project for friends to do together.

Steps

1. Buy a blank book or special scrapbook pages and a scrapbook binder or cover.
2. Dedicate a page or section in the book to each friend that you want to include.
3. Sort through photographs, notes, letters, ticket stubs, souvenirs, cards and other items that remind you of each particular friend.
4. Use the items to create interesting collages on the pages.
5. Add handwritten or typed words. Examples: "Our Favorite Hangout" and "On May 2, 2000, we took a road trip." Use phrases that have meaning to the two of you: "Cool, dude!"
6. Frame photos with scrapbook paper to dress them up. Add decorations such as paper shapes or designs.
7. Ask each friend to write a description of his or her favorite time spent with you and include these descriptions in the book.
8. Make a special cover for each friend's section in the book by drawing or creating an illustration of his or her name.
9. Design a cover for the book and call it "Special Friends," "Cherished Moments" or some other title that has meaning to you both.

Tips

* Be sure to use acid-free supplies so that your book will last.
* Use a color copy machine to copy the pages and give each friend copies of his or her own section of the book.
* This book is also a nice way to remember people you have dated.
* Suggest this project to middle school or high school kids.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Friendship-Bookme

Ever wonder how you could become like the girls in Movies and on TV? Well, you can if you follow these simple instructions. Soon, you'll be strutting down the hallways of your school, all attention will be on you. You'll be the most known girl in school, you'll be a Drama Queen, Beach Beauty, Fashionista...

Steps
1. Don't change yourself, just be yourself. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on a brand new wardrobe, even if it's what every other popular girl has. See what other popular girls wear, and from there create your own style. Show your personality and who you really are. Be confident. You have to believe that you're popular in order to be popular. If you know you’re cute, funny, and fun to be around, you’ll be able to share those qualities with others.
2. Be confident. Stop thinking you are ugly or that you aren't cool enough. Everyone is either beautiful on the inside, outside, or both. Be comfortable with that! Think of your qualities for a while. You're cool through them. Just believe in yourself and let people meet your virtues. If you don't feel it, fake it. Think that you are cool and pretty, because when you start believing it, others do, too!
3. Take care of your body. This doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself. Rather, try to get into shape. Eating healthy and exercising is important and effective; so is staying clean with good hygiene. Drinking plenty of water can help your skin look great and improve your overall health. If you get to the point where you feel good about your body and the great shape you keep it in, others will see that.
4. Get your own fashion sense lined out. It’s no secret that style can get you far in the girl world. You can shop at the popular stores and if you can afford it, try to buy designer clothes and accessories (don't buy cheap knockoffs and try to pass them off as real). It’s also great to develop your own unique style, adding individual touches that are really you, instead of copying everybody else. Be unique. Accessories like earrings, belts, bags, etc. can do wonders.
5. Take your hair for a ride. While not essential, a change to your hair could be just the wake-up call you need to feel confident and get out there as a popular girl. As with everything else, make sure your hair is well-groomed and taken care of as often as possible. Shower every day, wash your hair at least 3-4 times a week, and condition (from the middle of the hair down).
6. Apply makeup carefully if you like putting on makeup. You don't really need makeup but putting it on could make a big boost in your confidence. While most popular girls wear makeup, it’s important to be tasteful about it. You really want people to think you're not wearing any makeup at all. Makeup can help you to emphasize things you like about your appearance, and draw attention away from things you don’t. Be sure to blend your makeup so it will not stand out and that way it will look natural. Foundation, concealer, powder, blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick, and lip gloss are all you need. If possible, carry these things around with you in a cute bag for touchups. Also, take your makeup off as soon as you get home, so you can let your skin breathe.
7. Be outgoing. Being shy won’t win you any new friends. You’re going to have to get out there and talk to people. You cannot be afraid to talk to others. Whether it’s chatting up to popular girls in class or at lunch, getting yourself invited to the hottest parties, or winning an athletic contest, make your name known. Everybody needs to know who you are. Like people and show it. Be friendly and interested in people, and many of them will like you back. You don't win popularity by hiding in the corner or expecting people to approach you and suddenly appreciate you for the true gem you are. If you're shy, make friends with really outgoing people. They will encourage you to talk to other people, and soon it will be easy for you.
8. Get involved. Popular girls are usually well-rounded, and comfortable in almost every sphere of the school. Join a sports team or club. This will help you to meet many new people and establish you in the school. Be sure to do something you actually like, as people can tell when you’re faking. No one likes someone who does a sport or club just to be popular.
9. Know what your body language is telling people. For instance, when you cross your arms your body language can give the impression, "Don't bug me." Another example is slouching - a sign that says, "I don't feel I'm very important." Positive body language is all about how you feel about yourself and how you make others feel. The most popular people in school or at a party usually know how to make everyone else feel good by using plenty of positives gestures like nods, eye contact and, most important of all, a sparkling, warm smile.
10. Seek opportunities to socialize. Even if it's just walking from one class to another, find someone that has the same schedule as you do so that you can walk and talk. If you really feel like doing something will benefit you, ask a friend to do it with you. You'll find that you are rarely turned down.
11. Develop relationships. As you begin to meet people, don’t just treat them as items on a checklist. Find out what they like to do, their interests, and learn about them as people. You’re trying to make friends, not just be known. Also, be sure to keep in touch with your old friends—you don’t want them to think you’ve forgotten about them just because you’re making new ones. Don’t exclude anyone.
12. Study hard if you're into having good grades. Being popular doesn’t mean being stupid. Participate in class, do your homework, and don’t be afraid to be known as a smart girl. Just be sure you leave plenty of time for social activities. Let people know that academics are important to you, but are not your whole life. Show them you know how to be social.
13. Don’t believe the hype. You don’t have to be bitchy to be popular. You can be friends with whomever you want. That’s what being popular is. Stay true to the things that are most important to you, and the rest will come with ease.
14. Stick to your values and morals. That is what matters most. You may be a 15 minute celebrity, but it is better when you are respected for who you are. Keep it clean, get good grades, and help others, and then you will shine for the true you and not a shallow type. Be a great leader and many people will follow.

Tips

• To a great degree, popularity involves being incredibly cruel to other girls so that the rest will fear you and think you're cool. Later in life you will probably decide that a few close friends are far more important than popularity, and that being liked is entirely different from being popular.
• It's always cool to smile. If you have braces smile with your mouth closed in case you have something in your teeth. This can add an air of mystery.
• If you have a particular group of friends, and you are particularly shy, try standing near the same people until they start talking to you. It is longer, and you make less of an impression, but it is a lot less stressful.
• Sadly, sex may make you the talk of the school, but do you really want to be popular for that reason?
• Learn how to dance and Find Your Own Dancing Style. Put on some music in your room and get good at it. Don't be shy, because no one's watching you. If you do this every day, you'll be a pro at dancing. Then you can actually dance at the dances... Remember, you can just go with friends and have fun.
• Learn to Sing: Just practice singing with the songs in your room. If you practice using your voice to sing everyday, your voice will improve. Then you will be able to sing along with song with your friends, do karaoke, etc.
• Avoid staying home on a weekend: make sure you are out having fun with your friends (or out doing fun stuff even alone). The more people see you, the more they'll like you. Studies have shown that familiar faces are liked more by people than ones they don't see often.
• Keep up with the latest trends in entertainment -- this means listening to popular songs and artists, as well as watching MTV. But make sure you don't lose interest in your own hobbies--don't lose who you are! Remember, always be yourself in any situation.

Warnings

• Don’t drink or do drugs because you think it will make you popular. Holding true to your beliefs and values will get you more friends than any drugs will.
• Girls do have a tendency to get jealous and may spread rumors about you as you become more popular. Be prepared to deal with this in a calm and effective way. Try to be nice to everyone and never give people a reason to make fun of you.
• Don't let your emotions get the best of you. If someone says something snotty to you, just let it go. You'll be respected more.
• Remember, the people you think are "cool" now may not be as cool in 5 years. Attitudes change, fashion changes, and people grow and learn. Don't do something stupid that in 5 years you will regret.
• Don't be a snob. Making fun of people and spreading rumors just to fit in might get you popular, but with the wrong group.
• Be prepared to get dropped. This is very common, especially with the most popular girls. Just continue on and pretend that you don't care, even if you do.

A clique is a small group of friends that is very picky about who can and cannot be a part of the group. While cliques are a great way to meet people and have a group of good friends, being on the outside of a clique may not be fun! Girls in cliques often leave out other girls on purpose, and members of cliques may bully girls who are not “cool enough.” If you are being picked on, try to meet new people and make friends with people who care about YOU. Remember, it is the quality of the friend that is important, not the quantity. And, if you are leaving someone else out, remember that this is hurtful.

One thing that can make any relationship hard is peer pressure. Peer pressure is when people try to pressure you to do something you usually wouldn't do, or stop doing something that you normally would do. There are many reasons people give in to peer pressure, such as worry about what friends will think, not knowing how to get out of a situation, and fear of being left out. Some friends may pressure you to do something because "everyone else does it," such as making fun of someone, using alcohol or drugs, or smoking. But saying “No, thanks” and “I don’t want to” is the best thing you can do for yourself. One of the biggest challenges that you may have to face is standing up to a friend. Just remember that you are in charge of what you do and don’t do. It can help to talk with your parents/caregivers about how to handle pressures that come up socially.

A great relationship like friendship needs no definition or representation. But then also, since we humans like to give our own definitions to every thing we have assigned symbols for representation of the platonic relationship of friendship also. These symbols of friendship give a nice touch to the pious relationship of friendship by taking us on the trail of unity, friendliness and closeness.

We here bring to you certain symbols assigned by the human race to the spiritual relationship of friendship in order to provide a touch of beauty to this relationship between tow or more human souls.

Jade Plant
Many people have not heard about the Jade plant being the symbol of friendship. It is a succulent plant, which has small pink or white flowers. According to a misconception this plant is sometimes taken to be a 'money plant' also. These plants offer a nice picture of the relationship of friendship as its leaves, which are green in color, signify the joy and energy related with friendship and its flowers offer the fragrance of friendship.
Friendship Bracelets
A very common symbol of friendship is said to be friendship bracelets. There are a whole lot of friendship bracelets available in the market nowadays from which you can select the best friendship bracelet depending upon your taste and your budget. According to an old tradition the band if received should be worn on the wrist until it falls off naturally. The main logic behind this is that your friend paid for the band with his hard earned money and hence you should honor it by wearing it until it falls off.
A Promise Ring
A promise ring is given as a form of commitment in the friendship. These promise rings have been used as a symbol of friendship since time immemorial. Nowadays there are a number of friendship promise rings available in the market. These promise rings are available in various sizes and colors.

Friendship Stones
Friendship stones are a symbol of the happiness and joy, which the two friends share. These friendship stones as an appropriate symbol of friendship are supposed to bring luck and joy to a friendship. So next time when think of presenting any symbol of friendship to your friend then these friendship stones can be of great help to you.