The Price of Belonging

Dear Delyara, I went out with the group tonight. We went to a place where the cocktails cost more than I earn in three hours of work. I laughed and ordered another one, acting like it didn't matter. But as I sat there, I realized I don't even like these people. We talk about brands, vacations, and people we both know but don't care about. I’m performing a version of myself that I think they will accept, and in return, I get to not be alone for a few hours. But as I walked to the tube station, I felt a deep, soul-crushing boredom. I’m trading my authentic self for a seat at a table that doesn't even have a place for me.