While perceptions of popularity shift across environments, its presence can make learning new dynamics increasingly difficult. However, understanding the psychology behind social circles improves your social interactions and helps you gain friends.

The Editorial Board is sharing our personal holiday favorites. From the songs we belt out without shame to the movies that chain us to our couch, we’re unwrapping the media that makes our season shine just a little brighter.

While the demand isn’t quite at the same level as vinyl records, VHS is having a bit of a comeback in its own way. The aesthetic is more popular than ever, with music videos such as “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman and the “Deadbeat” album by Tame Impala referencing it on social media.

We treat friendship like background music: comforting, constant, easily taken for granted. Yet friendship is the architecture holding most of us upright. It shapes us, steadies us, reminds us who we are when everything else feels unsteady. And still, with the people who show up for us most consistently, we hesitate to offer the simplest words: I love you.

Everybody talks about homesickness in regard to the holidays. Still, not enough people discuss the dread many students face when returning home that comes not because of poor familial relationships, but because of the loss of identity many experience.

College isn’t supposed to be an echo chamber; it’s meant to be a testing ground. The goal isn’t to argue louder, it’s to argue better. Listening, asking questions and speaking your beliefs without shutting someone else down are all traits that will help us improve our identity.