The bravest thing on a playground is the kid who asks, “Can I play too?”

Asking to be included is one of the hardest things a person does, because it puts the answer in somebody else’s hands in front of witnesses. Anyone who has done it knows the few seconds before the reply. It takes real nerve, and it should never have to be that expensive, and the cost falls hardest on whoever has least cover.

If you are on the inside of a group this week, do the asking for somebody. Say their name, make room, invite them before they have to request it. If you are the one on the outside right now, that is not a failing of yours.