When you are walking through the hallways, it’s very normal to see groups of friends walking together and socializing. But for many teenagers, it can be very different. Lots of teenagers experience this and feel that they are standing on the outside looking in. The feeling of being left out is becoming a major part of the middle to high school experience, and it has a bigger impact than most people realize.
In today’s world, social media has a huge impact on people. Students can see a photo of their friends going out at a mall or a birthday party that they weren’t invited to, and feel upset or ruin their day. It can cause students to overthink, to feel that they aren’t enough to be included and can also cause insecurity.
Sophomore Serenity Webster said, “Sometimes I feel left out and lonely, but other times it’s okay because I choose not to go. I feel left out when my friends post together, and it makes me feel like they didn’t want to include me on purpose.”
Parents and many experts say being a part of a group is one of the most important aspects of growing up, socializing with other people and making new friends. When that is taken away, it feels like heavy weight on yourself and could also feel embarrassing.
Sophomore Hailey Tucker said, “I could definitely get to know and hang out with more people, but I think having my little group with most close friends is more than enough because they help lift your life and boost you up instead of constantly bringing you down and making you feel bad about yourself.”
While being left out is a common part of life and growing up, the effects are real. It’s important to remember that these feelings don’t have to define your experience. While it feels overwhelming right now, gaining a little perspective helps you realize that being left out is much smaller than it seems. Once you find your own rhythm, you’ll discover that you have the strength to move past the feeling of being left out with much more comfortability and ease.
