My friends hate me for dating the popular guy!

Dear Advice Girl,

I used to hate this popular guy, but I went on a date with him and it turns out I was wrong. He isn’t a self-centered jock - he's really cool. And he asked me on a second date.

I didn’t tell my friends because they hate him. I want to tell them they’re wrong, but I’m afraid they'll start hating me too. They judge people too quickly. What should I do?

Signed,
   Irene

Dear Irene,

I sure hope you realize now that stereotypes are dumb, and so are cliques. But you’ve probably figured all that out.

So, how do you teach it to your friends? Start with the same way you learned it – help them get to know the popular guy better. Arrange a group hangout where they can see what a cool, decent guy he is.

If they still don’t get it – or worse, if they start judging you - then maybe you’ve outgrown having petty, judgmental friends.