...I'd worked out that social success is often built on pretending just a little. Popular people sometimes have to laugh at things they don't find very funny, do things they don't particularly want to, with people whose company they don't particularly enjoy.
The quote reflects on the concept of social success, suggesting that it often involves a degree of pretense. It highlights how individuals who are popular may engage in behaviors that don't align with their true feelings, such as laughing at jokes they don't find amusing or spending time with people they don't particularly enjoy.
This commentary stresses the sacrifices people make in order to fit into social circles. It illustrates the complexity of interpersonal relationships and the often-hidden effort behind achieving social acceptance and popularity.
