Yesterday I was helping a resident with her computer while her suitemates were throwing a birthday party next door. At first, I was going to tell her that she could join her suitemates. I would bring the laptop outside to the common room. I didn\’t want to deprive her the opportunity of hanging out just because her computer had a problem.
Yet, I noticed that her suitemates were somewhat ignoring her. I could tell it was the relationship that I had with my suitemates when I was a first year. They laughed and made jokes about things that they only understood. The resident was an outsider to this festivity at least. This reminded me of all those times I was always on the fringe of the social group. I would be there in presence, yet not totally meshing with the group. They would make jokes that I would not understand or found funny. They would only gossip about people they know.
This bought to mind that evening in Minny Soda when someone was making jokes and I was laughing so hard. Looking back, I don\’t even recall what was really funny about that situation. Just that someone said something that was enough for me to break into hysteria.
It\’s hard to be on the inside if you\’re not invited.
so true. and i think the suitmates were a quit inconsiderate of not making the girl feel welcome.
i suppose i was lucky in that my suitemates were awesome. i\’m often forced to conclude there is no better method for a situation and i think that this may be one of them. it rarely works to create your own circle of friends or any other one of the clichés out there. instead, i think it\’s just a matter of waiting for someone that will throw out a lifeline.
I wrote this when i was half-asleep…ahem
Amen, to suckiness, and SLEEP…