How Being Comfortable on the Inside Will Stop You From Feeling Alone on the Outside
The truth of belonging.
Sat at the table, so many of us present that our arms pressed tightly to our bodies so we can maneuver enough to still eat. The bustle of the room is a noise all of its own, the chatter from the table just the loudest piece. With laughter and conversation all around me, I am a welcome member of the group, yet my smile is strained as I try to join in. I know these are my friends, but here on the edges I still feel separate.
This is a sensation I remember from my teenage years at school and within groups as an adult. Much like the street urchin character in a Dickensian tale, you feel separate as though standing on the outside of a window on a cold night watching a family dinner party within
Workplace dynamics when you’re still relatively new, parties, events, classes, or any situation where you are undoubtedly welcome, but you don’t know the ‘in jokes’ and haven’t had time to build a shared history with those around you.
I always wanted to be on the inside, we all do I guess. Not so much the ‘in crowd’ but a collective of people with whom you’re safe to be yourself, whatever and whoever that is. More than ever I believe that connection is essential to living well.
