Drama. Who needs it? The answer is absolutely no one. I have developed a primarily drama free life, and it's utterly wonderful. I'm constantly around people to gossip, but I've found ways to avoid being dragged into it. Life is so much better when all you focus on is being happy and successful; I wish everyone could live that way.

In school, I'm a floater. I don't allow myself to be part of a clique and honestly, I can't stand that term. In my utopia everyone is friendly towards others and people aren't so exclusive. School should be a place to make small talk with people you don't know or shoot a smile at a random person in the hall. Just because a girl is drop dead gorgeous and rich, she's not obligated to only befriend other wealthy, attractive people. Floating between athletes, theater kids, and mega-brains exposes you to different perspectives and vibes. It doesn't allow you to get trapped in a group's problems.

Besides cliques, another thing I steer clear of is talking negatively about my peers. I don't know how many times I've walked by a group in the mall or at school and all they're talking about is another person! Sometimes I just laugh... but most of the time it upsets me. It especially upsets me when the person they're talking about is supposedly their best friend. I have never understood how someone could talk so badly about a friend. If you have that many unpleasant things to say about someone, why do you even hang out with him? If I don't know someone, I don't judge her. If I don't like someone, I try to keep all my thoughts about her to myself. Most importantly I never speak poorly about my best friends, because that's not what friends do. Of course there are many things that people do that bother me but to avoid drama, I keep it to myself or talk about it to them... not everyone else.

Last but most definitely not least, I'm never "fake." Too much drama gets started when someone acts this way. You should always be you. Don't act like you like a person you can't stand, and don't pretend to be someone you're not. If you don't want people knowing your business, don't tell them! The truth is, if you always stay true to yourself, people will like you and respect you more.

My life is not perfect, but I've discovered this optimism and attitude that keeps me away from the crazy negativity in this world -- we all know there's a ton. I mind my own business and don't get into things I shouldn't. Staying out of drama is not that difficult, you just have to be willing to be out of the loop sometimes. Trust me, it's worth it.