The Dynamics of Popular Kids
I have a quick question: are popular kids often just arrogant? Many of the ones I used to know were extremely cocky. I remember a quiet kid who came into their circle and completely transformed. He went from shy to a standout on the dodgeball court, even getting a stylish side comb-over. He really found his confidence, and it was surprising to see him spin before throwing the ball.
On the flip side, there was this one kid who I won’t name, but he was a complete jerk. I often preferred hanging out with older kids because they were more fun and respectful. Those times were a blast! The jerk wanted to join our basketball game just because he saw us having fun, but he played extremely aggressively. There was a moment when I was going for a shot, and he deliberately bumped into me hard. Then, as I jumped for another shot, he tried to knock me down in mid-air. It was clear he wasn’t there to have fun; he had some serious issues.
During that game, I could see him charging at me like a linebacker, and it made me furious. All I wanted was for him to back off and let us enjoy our game. Of course, the popular girls were watching, so when he pushed me too far, I put my weight into a shove, and he hit the ground hard. I almost felt bad for him, but he quickly got up, and those girls were all over him, asking if he was okay. My friends reassured me it was fine since they didn’t like him either.
This happened back in 2018, and now that I’m 23, I’m curious if similar scenarios still unfold among kids today. How do popular kids continue to act like this? I ran into that same jerk again at a store while out with my wife and kids. He was still with that popular group, and all of them looked at us like they were disgusted. I was really irritated to run into him while trying to buy my kids some Play-Doh and snacks. They were uncomfortable standing near us in line, and there was a clear tension.
Despite the years that have passed, they still dressed like high schoolers and seemed stuck in the same mindset. It’s been about six years; why haven’t they changed much? What are your thoughts on this?
It sounds like you’ve had some pretty intense experiences with the dynamics of popularity in school, and it’s interesting to see how those patterns can stick around even into adulthood. Popular kids often face pressure to maintain their status, which can lead to some negative behaviors, like being cocky or rude. It’s not uncommon for individuals to feel like they need to assert dominance in social situations, especially in competitive environments like sports.
It’s also worth noting that people can change over time, though some might still cling to old personas. The fact that you noticed the jerk’s friends still behaving in a haughty or dismissive way towards you in the store could be a reflection of that high school mentality not fully dissolving.
Your experience with hanging out with a more respectful group of older kids seems like a healthier choice, and it’s great that you found a positive environment that you enjoyed. It’s common for kids (and adults) to gravitate toward different social circles based on values and mutual respect.
As for whether these scenarios still happen today—absolutely! The nature of social dynamics tends to repeat across generations. Kids still face similar issues with fitting in, peer pressure, and navigating friendships. The key takeaway might be to focus on surrounding yourself and your own family with positive influences, rather than getting stuck on those who continue to embody toxic behaviors. Have you found any strategies for dealing with those uncomfortable encounters when you run into people from your past?