Popularity, praise, and attractiveness are all good things. If you're popular, be thankful. But, don't be thankful that you are just a popular person--it means nothing!--instead, be thankful because God has opened the door for you to minister to a broad range of people.
Here's how I see it: be loving, kind, and considerate to everyone you meet. Take the time to talk to them, remember their names, pray for them. Be real with people. People will naturally be attracted to that. BUT, don't just strive for having a bunch of "friends." Look for a small group--maybe ten, maybe five, maybe three or two--and really give of yourself to them, encouraging them to do the same. Strive to have a deep, selfless relationship with a small group of people. Jesus had hundreds of disciples, but he focused on the Twelve. Don't be afraid of popularity--but make sure you have a solid friends group that you can really give yourself to. Don't seek popularity either--it has no inherent value. Seek true and lasting friendships. It is in these friendships that you will grow and help others to grow as well.