That is a good example of male intrasexual competition. And it does happen. It’s not nearly as intense or ever-present as the female variety, but it certainly is there sometimes.

When in later high school I got into improving my social standing by dressing better and not behaving like a little freak, my own friends not-quite-bullied me but pretty close for bettering myself. No more unwashed band t-shirts and hairstyling courtesy of the wind. And I lost a few friends because of this. Gained many others.

Worth it.