Following the crowd.

There's a new TV show, and everybody in my school has cards, hats, and shirts with the characters on them. I'm the only one who doesn't have many. I want to make new friends. Should I buy more of these things?

Irvin M., Arkansas

It's fun to join a fad sometimes, but it's a mistake to give it too much importance. The number of cards or shirts you have doesn't say anything about your value as a person. People who are worth having as friends will like you for who you are, not for what you have. If you show an interest in others and are cheerful, kind, and helpful, then you will find plenty of friends.