Cliques: a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them. Most times cliques are something seen as a problem. They are commonly discouraged, but I think they are sometimes a good thing. Cliques would be better if people were more willing to allow others to join, but nonetheless I think they are more positive than we are led to believe.

In reality, cliques are nothing more than a group of friends. They can be found everywhere and in every age group, and whether you want to admit it or not, you are probably a part of one. Some are more willing than others to take in new members, but we are all a part of them. Look at your closest friend group. Chances are you spend most of your time with them and you are all super close. Odds are that if someone new tries to join you, you are hesitant. In some way or another, whether you do it knowingly or not, you make the new person prove themselves, show that they belong and that you should keep them around. 

While no, your friend group does not define you, and not all cliques are based on things like popularity and what not, but they do exist all around us. Having cliques, and being a part of one is good because it gives everyone a place to belong, and a group of people to hang out with and grow with. I think having a strong friend “clique” is also a good thing because it gives you a support system of people who want nothing but the best for you. If you think about it, cliques are only a problem when you put labels on them and start saying things like one is better than the other. 

Traditionally cliques are not seen as a good thing, but when you think about it in a new light and don’t label them, you begin to see that they serve an important and positive role in our social lives.