In high school I was never the popular kid. I just never felt the need to have to belong to a group of people or follow the norm. Sure, I had plenty of friends because I socialized with everyone. But I didn’t live and die by what they thought of me.
I was also very fortunate to become conscious and self aware of who I was as a young 17 year old. So I didn’t subject myself to society’s view of a young Black Man. And I have constantly evolved in my 20s, 30s, and now 40s.
But one thing is constant: I am not bothered by what others think of me.
Live your life and be who you have always wanted to be. On your terms.