Genuine people are the best kind of people to be around. On the other hand, fake people are not fun to be around. Being genuine is a great personality trait. It may not be easy to stay true to yourself, but trust me when I say it's the best route to take in life. When someone is genuine, you know that they are honest, trustworthy, and kind from the bottom of their heart. It's not a charade just to gain popularity.
People start to become generic when they realize that they don't have as many friends as the "in crowd." Rather than being ok with standing out, they try to fit in. Abandoning old friends and taking on a new identity might be the way to win a popularity contest, but it comes at a price...the price of losing your God-given identity, as well as good friends. Generic means cheap, but when it comes to yourself, it costs more than it's worth. When you try to become someone you're not, it might feel good for a while. You might feel like you're finally starting to fit in. Then, all the glamor will wear off and you will realize there is an emptiness inside because you traded your personality for popularity. Think about how you react when you feel left out: are you genuine (true to yourself) or generic (change to please other people)?
You will be respected when you dare to be different, when you choose to be the truest version of yourself. When you are being the best you can be for the Lord, that is when your life is genuine. God has given you a purpose and you cannot fulfill that purpose by ignoring Him and trying to blend in with the world. You were born to stand out, and called to be separate from the world. A genuine person will go far in life, while a generic person will experience many a fall in life. Each individual has different God-given abilities. Find yours and embrace them. Don't be ashamed to be yourself because there is no one else in the world who can be just like you. God created you as a unique individual. So, next time you feel "uncool," remember that the price you pay to be "cool" could be more than you're willing to pay. Stay genuine; it never goes out of style.
*Psalm 139:14-I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.*