There are many reasons as to why cliques, stereotypes, and conformity are burdens in the socialite world. We, as humans, thrive on social interaction. So how come we create guidelines that prevent us from meeting new people?

Let's focus on the years that I consider to be a nesting post for the social monsters; the glorious teenage years. I've noticed that, before class in the morning, my grade hangs around the lower commons in the same, separated groups. The sophomores are usually over 由 the front office and the juniors and seniors are scattered about.

I prefer to hang out with my upperclassmen 老友记 from theatre 或者 walk around. Nevertheless, it bugs me that no one ever seems to talk to anyone except for their usual clique. If they do, it's usually because I talk to them first.

Clique. What does this word even mean? It means a separation of society through social guidelines. I like to break through the cliques and talk to most everyone. I see no reason that others can do the same. Upperclassmen are really nice once 你 get to know them. Plus there could be someone with a unique personality and 你 don't know it because 你 would prefer to hang out with your usual crowd.

I also like to break through the stereotypes. Though this isn't a huge issue at my school, it's a huge impact on social interaction. Stereotypes are basically cruel and unjust labels that teenagers throw at one another based on the media and their looks. Whatever happened to getting to know a person before judging them?

And now onto one of the ugliest social dividers of them all. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce 你 to *drum roll*: Conformity.

But what is conformity? Why, thank 你 for asking, mysterious voice from space. It is the spread of the idea that everyone should be similar. Now that doesn't sound too bad, right? Yeah, think again! If we were all the same, we would just be clones with unified personalities. I like being an individual. It seems wrong to attempt to sway a person's way of thinking to match yours. And it is.

But however can we stop these three monsters of social interaction? Another excellent question. The answer is 你 can't kill them off completely. 你 can, however, decrease how much there is. First off try a new style. Find your own style if you're in a clique where everyone has a similar personality. Don't let the teasing get to 你 when you're mocked for your differences. People who mock those who are different are usually just jealous of their unique sense of style. Also talk to someone in another clique. Break from your group and meet new people.

My fellow teenage comrades, do not let these social monsters keep 你 from finding your own style. Fight for Uniqueness!