I'm just wondering about specific people and situation that you are referring this to.

Is your defintion of success, popularity? I'm sure people go through difficulties internally and maybe they just don't show it. People all over the world have different personality types, and successful people have all kinds of personalities

Don't let the criticism stop you from achieving your personal goals, they can say whatever they want, but if you let them stop you, it won't help.

People want to feel good about themselves. You can compliment them and ask questions, and they'll feel more inviting