• Find friends.

There are plenty of other people outside a particular group. Hang out with kids who aren’t part of a clique. Be open-minded, and don’t discriminate against others just because they look or act differently. Be friendly with everyone, and let others feel welcome to talk to you.

• Speak up.

If your group of friends has suddenly turned into a clique, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s okay to want to invite others to hang out. Just be prepared: The clique may move on without you.

• Invite a friend.

If you are not a part of a clique, but someone you want to be friends with is, invite her to do something with you, away from the rest of the group. This may help her realize how silly it is to be a part of an exclusive crowd.

• Don’t take it out on yourself.

Some kids feel they need to change who they are to be accepted by certain people. While it is okay to make changes, such as to become healthier, make them only for yourself, and because they feel right to you. Don’t change who you are to conform to other people’s standards.

Ends