beautiful, entrancing, undoubtedly true.

She's sitting there texting--alienating herself from the rest of us.




Why is it that whenever someone is put into a situation where they feel the least bit uncomfortable, the cellphone has to come out?


Her fingers are whizzing away. She’s making every attempt to keep her eyes on the screen—only occasionally looking up at the boys jumping into the pool in front of her.

Does she even want to be here? Did her parents force her to come or something? Why can’t she at least make an effort to talk to someone? Oh right. She’s uncomfortable. What am I supposed to do about it? Oh right. Love her.


Well now I’m uncomfortable.

I realize that it shouldn’t be about me. Who cares if I say something stupid? No one. She’s sitting there—why can’t I at least make an effort to talk to her? Oh right. I’m uncomfortable. I make up a million excuses. I convince myself that its someone else’s job. Who am I kidding?


I take a deep breath and walk over. Surprisingly, the conversation comes easily. I find myself wanting to make her feel at ease. She looks like she fits in with another crowd…yet I want her to fit in here. I start thinking.

Reaching out is easy. Loving is easy. You just have to forget about the discomfort and take a step of faith. Everyone deserves a warm welcome.




-written by my friend, Maja