12 clear you signs you value being real over being popular

Ever feel like the world’s caught up in a crazy race for likes, cash, and fifteen minutes of fame? We see it all the time, right? People are all about getting popular, sometimes even if it means forgetting who they really are.

We’ve got folks on social media, begging for likes and shares. And let’s not forget the whirlwind of trends changing faster than we can keep up. One day it’s baggy jeans from the 90s, the next it’s some wild TikTok dance everyone and their grandma is doing.

But hey, is this really the game you want to play? Do you want to be just another face in the crowd, or are you more into stuff that really matters to you, stuff that makes you…well, you? Because guess what? Your own stories are ready and waiting to be shared with the world.

So, let’s check out what makes people who dig realness over fame tick. Here are 12 things that make people who value being real over being popular stand out from the crowd.

1. You Don’t Sweat Over Social Media Followers

For real-deal folks, self-worth doesn’t depend on the number of likes or followers on social media.

Now, don’t get it twisted – this doesn’t mean they totally ghost social media or that having loads of followers is bad news.

Instead, these guys aren’t glued to their screens all day, frantically chasing likes, shares, or new followers.

What they do is share stuff that’s true to who they are and what they dig. They’re not about putting together a picture-perfect feed just to get everyone’s thumbs up.

You’ll see them posting about their quirky hobbies, not scared to speak their mind, and sharing what they want, when they want.

They get that social media can make everyone’s life look like a flawless dream, which can stir up a big pot of envy soup.

That’s why maybe we could all learn from the young ‘uns: Post stuff that’s real. No filter, just you.

2. You Don’t Just Jump on Any Trend or Bandwagon

Authentic folks, the ones who value being true to themselves more than being the cool kid on the block, usually don’t care much about the latest trends.

They aren’t all about what’s hot or not. They make their own choices, based on what they like, what they believe in, and what matters to them.

They love being different and don’t feel the need to blend in with the crowd. You know that buddy who kept rocking their minimalist vibe when everyone else went neon crazy? Yeah, that’s an authentic soul right there.

They also tend to be smart thinkers. Before they jump onto a trend or support a cause, they’ll take the time to really understand what it’s about, see if it lines up with their values, and then decide if it’s for them or not.

They don’t give into the hype or let their friends pressure them into things. They like knowing who they are, standing up for what they believe in, and only let the things that really matter to them define who they are.

3. You Dig Some Quality Alone Time

One thing that sets genuine people apart is their love for a good bit of alone time. Now, that doesn’t mean they’re introverts or don’t like hanging out with people, it’s just that they really understand the value of spending some quality time with themselves.

Having a little time for self-reflection can really help you get to know who you truly are, without all the outside noise or pressure to fit in.

I can’t even begin to tell you how good it feels to chill out alone with a cup of joe, just watching the world go by, and soaking up the quiet buzz of life around me.

In these moments of solitude, I get that I don’t need to be surrounded by people all the time to feel like I’m enough.

I like hanging out with me. By making sure I set aside some “me” time, I stay true to who I am. And when I’m being true to me, that’s when I’m really living my best life.

4. You’re All About the Simple Joys, Not Fancy Schmancy Stuff

People who are all about keeping it real often find their happy place in life’s simple pleasures. You know, like catching an epic sunset, taking that first sniff of freshly brewed coffee, or getting lost in a good book.

They’re not chasing glitz and glamour or trying to climb the social ladder.

It’s not about getting noticed or doing stuff because it’s seen as high-status.

It’s about those tiny moments that might seem totally ordinary to others, but bring real happiness and satisfaction.

So what if I’d rather stay in and whip up a homemade meal than be out partying with the VIPs every night? If that makes me a bore, I’m okay with that.

5. You Don’t Brag About Knowing Popular or Influential People

They’re not ones to go around showing off about knowing people who are famous or have a lot of pull. Truth is, they couldn’t care less about the social status these connections might bring.

Friendships aren’t trophies to be put on display for everyone to see.

You’re supposed to value someone for who they are, for what you have in common, for the way they think – not for how popular they can make you.

On the flip side, you often hear about famous people finding it hard to make real, lasting friendships, especially in places like Hollywood.

Every chat could be seen as some kind of deal.

Being in the limelight can be lonely, making many celebs put up walls to protect themselves, walls that aren’t easy to break down.

So if you happen to meet one, I hope you’ll show them that you like them for who they really are.

6. You Don’t Hog the Spotlight in Chats

When it comes to chit-chat, I’ve always been a big believer in listening just as much as, if not more than, talking.

Real-deal folks, from what I’ve seen, don’t try to take over conversations. Instead, they’re all about having meaningful chats where everyone feels heard.

Everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts, their point of view, and their unique experiences.

Even when these genuine folks are the ones doing the talking, they’re not trying to wow anyone; they’re just sharing their story.

You see, when someone who’s keeping it real is the one in the spotlight, they don’t need to yell or show off.

They speak from the heart. Their voice might be quiet, but it makes a big impact. It invites conversation, not a one-way street.

7. You’re More About Cozy Get-Togethers Than Big Parties

Given the choice, I’d pick a small hangout with close buddies over a big shindig any day.

It’s not that I’m anti-social or can’t handle big crowds.

I just get a kick out of the quality chats and laughs you get at smaller get-togethers, and the memories you make that are worth keeping forever in your photo album.

I also find that when there’s fewer people, things are just more chilled and everyone can really be themselves.

There’s no stress to put on a show or try to wow anyone.

And no one feels like they have to down another shot just because the party animal of the group says so.

8. You’re Cool with Not Being Liked or Being Misunderstood for Standing Your Ground

People who keep it real stand firm on their beliefs and principles, because these are what make them who they are.

And I get it, it can be tempting to just go along with the crowd to fit in.

I mean, when people start noticing that you’re always the one with the different opinion or that you’re not afraid to disagree, they might think you’re too set in your ways and they don’t want to deal with you.

But here’s the deal: It’s totally okay not to blend in if it means giving up being true to yourself.

It takes guts to be okay with people not liking you or getting you because you’re standing up for what you believe in.

As long as what you’re standing up for is based on facts and objective info, it’s awesome that you’re able to stick to your guns, even when everyone else is telling you not to.

9. You Take Time to Look Inward

Regularly taking a moment to check in with yourself can really help you on your path to staying real. When you take a step back to reflect, you can really take in all life’s experiences.

For example, there was a time when everyone was jumping on the TikTok bandwagon because it was the new big thing and it was so easy to get views and likes. I jumped on it too.

But after a while, I started asking myself: Is this what I really want? I felt like my privacy was being invaded.

Another thing you’ll often find with genuine folks is that they’re open to criticism.

They don’t see criticism as a personal attack.

They see it as a chance to get feedback that might not always be easy to swallow, but can definitely help them grow and learn.

10. You Own Up to Your Mistakes

People who keep it real are anything but fake.

They show themselves as they really are because they know their worth isn’t lessened by their faults, flaws, or imperfections.

By owning up to their mistakes, they build trust and create deep connections. People can relate more to someone who’s real and human.

They don’t run from their mistakes or make excuses for them.

Like, there’s been times at work when I’ve missed an important detail and it’s held up a project.

I could’ve tried to shift the blame, but instead, I chose to admit my mistake and fix it. There was no way I was going to let someone else take the fall for something I did.

11. You Respect the Achievements of Famous People but Don’t Get Starstruck

They respect what famous people have done, but they don’t idolize them or lose themselves in the process.

They’re also keen on hearing about the road to success of accomplished folks. In short, being real is about being inspired, not influenced.

Like, you can admire how a writer weaves a gripping tale, but don’t let that overshadow your own unique writing style or viewpoint.

12. You Keep It Real

People who treasure authenticity don’t live in a make-believe world. They’re rooted in reality.

They know their strong points and their weak spots, their wins and their losses, and their insecurities and talents.

Even though the sparkle and shine of being popular can sometimes be tempting, those who keep it real can see past all that.

To them, popularity is something that comes and goes and is often just skin deep, while authenticity is all about sticking to being true to themselves.