High school in movies isn’t the whole picture; everything isn’t black and white with your nice, gorgeous guys and mean, equally gorgeous jerks. There are so many personality types that you’ll encounter in high school, some good, some bad, some in between! Here’s how to deal with a few of the most common ones.
1. The Fabulous Bestie
You might become friends with him because you notice that you’re wearing the same H&M sweater one day, and he’ll compliment your fashion sense as he flips his hipster haircut. This is your fabulous bestie! He doesn’t fit into any one clique, but rather he’s pretty much friends with everyone! How will you deal with him? Almost exactly the way you would with any of your girl friends, just try not to verbally acknowledge his femininity all of the time. But gratefully accept his fashion advice, talk about your favorite reality shows, and take frequent trips to the mall.
2. The Know It All and Tell It All
Teenage boys often feel the need to prove themselves, so they’ll brag about anything from how far they can throw a football, to how amazing their intellect is. Odds are, you’ll get stuck sitting next to the know-it-all in at least one class in high school. And, since he is trying to stand out, he won’t be quiet about it-he might try to bring you down to show that he’s smarter, and therefore more of a man. I know it sounds weird; but boys are weird! But just let him have his prideful moments and ignore him as best as you can. If he gets too cocky though, don’t hesitate to put him in his place.
3. The Druggie
My sophomore year Spanish class, I was seated in front of all three of the class’s “burnouts”. They would talk about drug deals-in class!-fail to understand anything, copy my assignments, and once one tried to massage my back…sin permiso! Clearly, that wasn’t the greatest situation, so here’s how to deal with it: ignore them. Snap at them when they touch you or say something really dumb or alarming, but generally just don’t get involved! Life will punish them plenty in the future.
4. The Heartthrob
TV and movies have a tendency to be misleading; sorry to disappoint, but most high school boys are far more zit-faced and lanky-armed than Zack Efron. But… there’s always that one. The teacher dotes on him, even though he isn’t the brightest, his coach praises him as the best football player on campus, the girls’ locker room is abuzz with gossip about him. Because something about him-his eyes, his smile, or his overall presence just, wow. Your heart skips a beat whenever he strolls into class late and, if you’re lucky, sits in the empty seat next to you. Now what do you do? Um, talk to him, duh! No matter how awkward you think you are, you’re prettier, smarter, and lovelier than you think! If you woman up and speak to your crush, you might just be the lucky one.
5. The Misogynist
We are lucky to live in a time when feminism and equal rights are on the rise, but there are still some backward-thinking guys out there, even in your own high school! He says things like “She’s just a girl”, whenever a girl has a bright idea, and “Don’t act like such a girl” when his friend acts cowardly. He might even venture to call you bossy or a b*tch when you’re just trying to be a leader. Old habits may die hard, but he isn't beyond help yet. Talk to him as your equal, try to explain why what he’s saying is wrong and hurtful. Odds are, right now it won’t make a huge difference, but your words will plant thoughts in his mind that will grow over the next four years and result in him graduating as less of a jerk.
6. The Conundrum
He’s cute, he’s smart, he’s cool, he’s well dressed… but there’s something about him that makes you hate him! He may be cocky, rude, lazy, or otherwise, but it ruins the whole package. On paper he’s perfect, but in person you know he’s bad news. My advice: don’t waste your time trying to fix him. There are plenty of other cute, smart, cool, stylish fish in the sea who don’t have a horrible personality. Just be patient and wait for the whole package to come your way!
7. The Party Animal
Some guys love to party! They think that the law doesn’t apply to them, so you can find them getting drunk and high on any given weekend. However, he's not a total stoner who skips class just to get high.He’s always the life of the party and, even though no one really takes him seriously, you’ve got to love him. He’s fun, energetic, and, as long as you don’t start down his path, there’s nothing wrong with being his friend!
High school is going to be an adventure, I can guarantee that! But if you’re mentally prepared, nothing and no one should shock you too badly. What other types of guys did you meet in high school? How did you deal with them?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some common types of guys you'll meet in school?
- Oh, there's such a variety! You might run into the jock, the nerd, the class clown, the creative artist, the shy guy, the player, and maybe even the mysterious loner. Each one can bring something different to your high school experience.
- How can you deal with a guy who's always trying to show off?
- It can be a bit much, right? Try not to let it get to you. Sometimes they just want attention or feel the need to prove themselves. A little patience helps. Maybe give a compliment when it's genuine – sometimes that's all they need!
- What's the best way to befriend a shy guy?
- Awww, shy guys can be the sweetest! Just be kind and patient. Start with small talk and find common interests. Sometimes just being genuine and giving them space to open up when they're ready is the best approach.
- Are high school guys really that different from each other?
- Absolutely, high school is like a melting pot of personalities! They might have different interests, styles, and ways of interacting, but at the end of the day, they're all just trying to figure themselves out like everyone else.
- How can you spot a player at school?
- Ah, the player type. They often seem charming and might flirt with a lot of people. A telltale sign is if their stories don't always add up or they don't follow through on commitments. Trust your gut, but also give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes!