In this day and age it seems like the cool thing to do is to be a self-centered, uncaring jerk. We act this way because we "don't want to be hurt anymore," or we just don't care about anyone else's feelings because "no one cares about mine, so why should I?" Trust me, these people aren't telling me anything I haven't once thought myself. But if there's one thing I have learned throughout my life, it's that this attitude only gets you so far.

Think of it this way:

You spend your whole life fighting people and complaining to everyone. You always find something wrong with the world, no matter how good you may have it. People come and go because of the way you act, and all you can say is, "They just couldn't handle me." So you keep pushing forward and waiting for someone who can. You wait for that man or woman to sweep you off your feet, but you've been so disappointed countless times, and it seems no one is good enough for you, so you say, "My standards are just too high for you, and if you can't reach them then I'm not compromising."

Compromising: Is it really such a terrible thought? And yes, I'm preaching to you, girls and boys in the back who are incredibly self-centered and think you're always right. I was once a part of this group, and therefore I can say this next sentence without feeling rude or judgmental.

You're not.

However, you are right if you know there's a difference between being confident and cocky. And there's a difference between being independent and pushing people away. You can be the hottest person in school, and know you are, but that doesn't give you the right to belittle those who should have a good role model to look up to.

You can be the best player on the team or the skinniest person in the room or have the best new items on the market. You can even dress the best or be the smartest person your peers have ever met, but none of it matters if you can't be humble about it.

You don't have to insult others to make yourself look good. You don't have to constantly complain and make the slightest thing into an aggravation for everyone around you. Most importantly, you don't have to be mean to those who have hurt you.

It takes $0 to be a good person.

Just be nice. Even if that person you once held a grudge against still seems to hate you, ignore it. Even if that ex of yours did you wrong in the past, how about praying for them instead of sending hate their way every time you get a chance? Don't take out your anger on the people around you. Use your feelings for good, not evil. Find something you're passionate about and go make it better. Use those once-hateful thoughts as fuel to get out and do something to counteract it.

Your choice to be humble, respectful and kind can make a great impact on this world. Don't fall into the trend of being rude to everyone who crosses your path. I promise you will find that being kind is much more rewarding.