Making friends isn't always easy, but with the Being Girl 10-day popularity guide it is.

Day one: Be interested in people

Vow to talk to somebody new everyday. Ask them about themselves, gossip about celebs, swap stories of exam stress or just say hi.

Day two: Smile more

Start with eye contact followed by a little smile spreading into a big smile, then back down to a little smile again. Don’t be a perma-grinned fool; let people know you are actually smiling at them.

Day three: Use people’s names when you speak to them

People love nothing more than the sound of their own name and they’ll like you all the more for using it. Plus it’ll help you remember new people.

Day four: Maintain existing friendships

You should aim to catch up with friends at least once a week. Meet up, text, use instant messaging, invite them round or phone.

Day five: Try something new

Don’t limit your friendship circle to your school or your street. Join a sports club, chess team, youth group or sign up to be on your favourite band’s street team.

Day six: Mix up your friends

If other people see you as a well connected person who can introduce them to lots of new friends, they will be queuing up to be your mate!

Day seven: Resist the temptation of exclusive friendships

Aim to have lots of special friends instead. It’s alright to have a best friend, but if you go on about her all the time then other potential friends might feel excluded.

Day eight: Make people feel important

Friendship will blossom if people feel valued when they are around you. Laughing at people’s jokes is the best way to tell someone you think they’re fab.

Day nine: Don’t be critical, complain or condemn

Grumpiness, bitchiness or a lack of tolerance will not win you friends. Everyone has off days but be aware of how your grumping sounds to others.

Day ten: Be a good listener

Encourage people to talk about themselves. They will love you for it. You will get to know them better and you’ll know what to talk about next time you see them too.