This is a new term that Rupee and I invented (patent pending) that represents the class of people who are “cool” by proxy. It isn’t that you’re a loser, but neither are you the guy that everyone knows and wants to be around. You are the person that’s nearly there but not quite. And the gap, though it might be small, is one mighty cavern, let me tell you. That’s where I would place myself (and Rupee) although I’d definitely say I am more cool adjacent than she is.

To who are we adjacent? Good question, I’m not quite sure. I suppose it’s kind of the same thing as being the happy-go-lucky sidekick. Not quite the star of the show, but close. Make sense?

I’m starting a new series on my blog that centers around being cool adjacent: “what it means, and how to avoid it–a step-by-step guide to being better than you are”. Of course, I’m not sure if this is something changeable or avoidable. You can never truly leave the “cool adjacent” class.

Some personalities (like mine) will just always be in this category.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad place to be, it just means that we will never be the stereotypical “coolest” kid at the party. Maybe having a “fashion sense” is the same to us as simply wearing clothing in general, or we have secret obsessions like One Direction, or we like things that others might see as geeky or nerdy (Star Wars/Trek, superheros, reading, animated films intended for children but that are surprisingly amusing for people of all ages, writing a blog, etc.) Or maybe it means something else that isn’t listed above.

I prefer to think of it as being quirky, and hey, it means that we have character!

The point of this series is NOT to keep you from being yourself. I am a firm believer in the “you do you” slogan, as long as it’s not interfering with someone else doing them, make sense? No, this series is to help those of us out there who would consider ourselves “Cool Adjacent” to keep from letting our adjacent status be witnessed in public at opportune moments. Me, I’m fully aware that I’m a little strange, but that doesn’t mean I need other people thinking that when I’m out and about, and that’s the first piece in the definition of being cool adjacent, and my main point today:

Being self-aware of your less-than-cool status. 

The best way to reign in your oddness when out in the public eye (you know, like when you’re interviewing for a job or something), is to be aware that you are, in fact, odd. After this step has been reached, you have a much better chance at being able to convince others that you are well put-together, while inside you might be, I don’t know, humming the theme song to Psych whenever it fits your fancy. (What? I don’t do that…)

Self-awareness is key. If you can admit that you are a bit strange, that is the first step in being able to convince people otherwise. And it also gives you practice for your superhero cover story.

A bit far-fetched? I don’t think so.

Mel