Cool is probably the second most over-used term in a teenager’s vocabulary these days (see my article on “swag” for #1). I personally am not an expert on the subject, but I have made some observations regarding coolness in general, especially how to be what is perceived as “cool.” One problem high schoolers have when trying to be cool is they don’t realize that people of differing morality and maturity think different characteristics are cool. This is a list for classy teens who want to come across as cool to other classy people. So without further ado, here are ten ways to not only look cool, but to be cool as well.
1. Don’t talk too much. If people hear your voice all the time, they will think that you never listen to anyone else and that you think you know everything. It also shows a lack of self-control if you can’t keep your mouth shut. Self-control is very desirable later in life. “Where words are many, sin is not absent.”
2. Never get mad. Realize this; this rule can be ammended in certain situations, like if someone is trying to hit on your sister. For the most part, though, getting angry easily shows a lack of maturity and self-control. “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.”
3. Work out. Whether you are ripped, cut, swollen, or just extremely fit, having large and/or well-defined muscles shows people that you care about your body and you are physically strong. This one applies more to men than women, but strength is a desirable trait in both.
4. Realize the skill sets of the people you’re hanging with. If you can do something decently well and those particular friends can’t, they just might think you’re the best ever. The reverse is also true; if you are in the weight room and you’re not putting up 200, don’t draw attention to “how big you are.” If your buddy is a marine, don’t complain about how hard school is. Don’t talk French to people who know French unless you really know French, etc. As Paul said, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
5. Get to know people. Unless you’re a total jerk or a serial killer, people will think you’re cooler the more they get to know you. However, this can also be a good test of character. If people around you don’t seem to respect you or think you’re amazing, then you either have terrible friends or a terrible personality.
6. Feed people new and relevant information. If a guy loves the Bible, tell them something weird and unique you learned about the Bible that day. If a person loves movies, talk to them about movies that you and they have seen and inform them about movies that are coming out that they may not know about. Even if they already knew what you are telling them, you can still initiate a conversation with them, thus becoming better friends, thus making you cooler.
7. Do everything wholeheartedly. Putting your all into whatever activity it is at the time shows that you care, and if you care about everything in your life, you’ll care about your friends and SOs. Also, most people don’t give 100%, so you will automatically have an advantage in any competitive events you may be in.
8. Give your skills time to develop. If you play piano, and you are learning a new piece, don’t play the piece. Wait until you can play it perfectly and then play it in front of your friends. If you are just starting to learn Spanish, don’t speak Spanish to someone who is from Cuba unless you want a “learning session.” Psalms says to play excellently before the Lord, and the same applies to other parts of life too. Doing something new is not nearly as cool as doing something very well.
9. Develop an amazing work ethic. If you are always working, you are always getting better. The better you are at stuff, the more respect you will have. Once again, most people don’t have even a good work ethic, so your drive will inspire them, and inspiring others makes you even cooler.
10. Never complain about anything, and if you do, complain to the people who can do something. Nobody likes a whiner, and shouldering your responsibilities and circumstances without complaining makes you seem stoic and mature. In fact, if you do manage to never grouch about anything, you probably are stoic and mature enough for a boatload of cool. If you do complain about anything, though, do it constructively. Don’t be completely negative, and only talk to someone with the power to change whatever is making you upset. Otherwise, it just turns into a pity party, and that pretty much breaks rule #1.
So, what do you think? Do you see any of those traits as cool? Do you think there were some major ones that got left out? I’d love to hear what you guys have to say about the subject of cool.
