Boards
Seriously, it’s probably not a good sign that I know more about some celebrities’ relationship drama than I do about the work they’ve done this year. Search engine Bing recently released their top-ten searched individuals for 2012 (Kim Kardashian tops the list, FYI), and looking through this list of some of the Internet’s most popular names, there are a few who I know have had some stellar professional accomplishments this year, but also a number whose more gossipy life moments have really defined their popularity.
When it comes to popularity, sometimes in movies being popular is portrayed as being negative, but it’s certainly not a bad thing for people to like you and want to hang out. It’s just important to make sure that they like you for the right reasons – namely what makes you popular are the same things that make you YOU. So let’s dive in (with a little help from some popular celebrities) to figure out some of those “right reasons” behind achieving popularity.
You Are Relatable
Jennifer Lawrence has done like, a million cool things I could be jealous of, but she also talks about things like getting psyched about her face on M&Ms. That's totally something I would love too! You definitely don’t need to hide cool stuff you own or have done, but you also want to be popular because people feel like they can connect with you, not hold you up on a pedestal. One-sided popularity worship is no good. Source: FayesVision/WENN.comYou Have A Good Heart
Think of your close friends – you probably like them because they care about you and others in return. They have a good heart, and that’s an admirable trait. Take our girl Emma Watson, who took time to volunteer with Citymeals-on-Wheels in NYC. A lot of celebs do some great charity work, and we just think it’s more of a reason to be popular than silly drama. Same goes for us non-celebs! Source: WENN.comYou Are Considerate
Rihanna's music rocks, but it seemed like a big chunk of discussion on her 777 tour wasn't about her jams, but about people on board her plane feeling slighted by a lack of hospitality. Bummer! A show of appreciation is a stellar idea, but long-lasting popularity won't be sustained on lavish parties alone. Keep others' feelings in mind, and if you do slip up, own up (like Rihanna reportedly did - props!). If you are considerate AND can entertain like a pro, well that sounds like a popular combo. Source: WENN.comYou Work Hard At Your Passions
Being passionate about something naturally gets people interested in you. Whether it’s the school play or a sports team, if you work hard, it sparks people’s interests. Think of Adele – her album 21 has sold millions of copies. She’s garnered a legion of fans because of her talent and hard work. Who wouldn’t want to root for that? Source: WENN.comYou Keep Drama On The DL
Even the best of us can get sucked into drama (it explains why I watch so much Bravo), but being popular for screaming and fighting will get old fast. We want to talk about Nicki Minaj’s AMA wins, rather than her alleged feud with Mariah Carey on American Idol. Disagreements are normal, but people will feel more comfortable around you if you handle conflicts with discretion. Making enemies or hurting feelings shouldn't be part of your popularity plan. Source: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.comYour Romance Is Real (And Not Your Only Quality)
Some people just date someone because it seems "cool," but Miley is a great example of someone who is doing the relationship thing right. Liam Hemsworth is clearly an important part of her life, but their romance doesn't always upstage other cool things about her like her daring hair or that she's back on TV again. Miley's love life isn’t the only part of her people care about, and that should go for you too. Source: FayesVision/WENN.comYou Stand By Your Beliefs
Your mind is an awesome thing, and being popular for your brains is definitely cool. We're not just talking grades, but being able to form and express thought-out opinions. Regardless of how you feel about Kesha's look or even her songs, she has a lot of interesting and poignant things to say about feminism. Sometimes it seems like you should try to please everyone in an effort to be popular, but your voice is so important, so be sure you are expressing yourself. Source: Dan Jackman./WENN.comYou Embrace Individuality
Lady Gaga really pushes the boundaries artistically. Even if she’s not necessarily your style, her popularity feels real because she blazes her own trail and people still can't get enough of her. I mean, girl wore a dress of meat once. If you're trying to be popular by acting how you think you "should" rather than being the real you, others are bound to notice and it's likely they won't be so into the copycat routine. Source: Will Alexander / Stuart Castle / WENN.comYou Like You For You
Seriously, what is the point of everyone else liking you if you’re not even a fan? Glee’s Amber Riley recently talked about Hollywood pressure to look a certain way, and how she won’t conform to how some industry people wanted her to look. Amber is now a great character on one of the most popular television shows going - all without having to change herself just to make other people happy! I’d think that makes her success that much sweeter. Source: PNP/WENN.comWhat are your thoughts on popularity? What celebrities do you think are popular for the right reasons? Let us know in the comments!
There’s also always The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Getting Popular
Can You Trust Him?