# data[].attributes.headline
I was happy to be with the group members each time we gathered. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I was happy to be with the group members each time we gathered. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I couldn't get a word in, others steamrolled the conversation

# data[].attributes.subject
I couldn't get a word in, others steamrolled the conversation

# data[].attributes.body
I felt cared for, valued, and it was easy to share and relate with others

# data[].attributes.body
I felt like I could be myself and not mask my personality/interests/etc

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt comfortable and at ease with the people in the group

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt comfortable and at ease with the people in the group

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt comfortable letting my big laugh out, cackle and all

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt comfortable letting my big laugh out, cackle and all

# data[].attributes.headline
I was challenged in my thinking, but with empathy and not malice. The environment allowed for healthy disagreement. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I was challenged in my thinking, but with empathy and not malice. The environment allowed for healthy disagreement. 

# data[].attributes.body
People asked me questions and listened to my responses.

# data[].attributes.headline
We had similar things to say in conversation.

# data[].attributes.subject
We had similar things to say in conversation.

# data[].attributes.headline
I didn't feel like I had enough expertise about the group activity to be truly involved. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I didn't feel like I had enough expertise about the group activity to be truly involved. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I shut down and did not add anything to the social environment. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I shut down and did not add anything to the social environment. 

# data[].attributes.headline
People asked questions and a back-and-forth conversation happened successfully

# data[].attributes.subject
People asked questions and a back-and-forth conversation happened successfully

# data[].attributes.headline
People genuinely looked out for me and it was an even dynamic in the group

# data[].attributes.subject
People genuinely looked out for me and it was an even dynamic in the group

# data[].attributes.headline
Make an active effort to engage with them

# data[].attributes.subject
Make an active effort to engage with them

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt like everyone cared about me and what I had to say. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt like everyone cared about me and what I had to say. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt valued and like my contributions were essential to the rest of the group.

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt valued and like my contributions were essential to the rest of the group.

# data[].attributes.body
My second school district I worked in was one where I did not feel I fit in. When I was on daily lunch duty folks would rarely initiate conversation with me or include me.

# data[].attributes.headline
Trying to spark conversation and ask them easy questions

# data[].attributes.subject
Trying to spark conversation and ask them easy questions

# data[].attributes.headline
Excitement to meet with the group, a feeling of camaraderie anytime we are together, easy to talk to. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Excitement to meet with the group, a feeling of camaraderie anytime we are together, easy to talk to. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I knew because I "looked and sounded" like most people, and thought like most people in the group. We had many common interests and/or common situations.

# data[].attributes.subject
I knew because I "looked and sounded" like most people, and thought like most people in the group. We had many common interests and/or common situations.

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt like I didn’t have any common interests with the others, felt out of place

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt like I didn’t have any common interests with the others, felt out of place

# data[].attributes.body
I pretended to be something I wasn't in order to feel a sense of community, even though at the end of the day it was false

# data[].attributes.headline
It was hard to converse, or others wouldn't let me.

# data[].attributes.subject
It was hard to converse, or others wouldn't let me.

# data[].attributes.headline
Speak to the entire group, not just that person, and remind them all that every voice matters.

# data[].attributes.subject
Speak to the entire group, not just that person, and remind them all that every voice matters.

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt like I was able to converse judgement free and be my authentic self. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt like I was able to converse judgement free and be my authentic self. 

# data[].attributes.body
I felt like I belonged in my choir ensembles in college because it didn't matter how I felt when I walked into the class. Someone was there to celebrate my successes with me and pick me up if I felt down.

# data[].attributes.headline
I was comfortable with the other group members & there were clear expectations/schedules

# data[].attributes.subject
I was comfortable with the other group members & there were clear expectations/schedules

# data[].attributes.body
I felt I didn't have anything meaningful to add to the conversation or group

# data[].attributes.headline
Not being allowed to engage in conversation because of title, experience, or perceived notoriety.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Not being allowed to engage in conversation because of title, experience, or perceived notoriety.  

# data[].attributes.body
When I feel like I can be my uninhibited and honest self with those I’m around.

# data[].attributes.body
I understood the culture of the group and could act like them.

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt isolated and left out due to not being a part of the 'status quo'

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt isolated and left out due to not being a part of the 'status quo'

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt seen, valued, and I didn't have to perform for others. I could be my authentic self.

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt seen, valued, and I didn't have to perform for others. I could be my authentic self.

# data[].attributes.headline
It felt like it would not matter if I was not there

# data[].attributes.subject
It felt like it would not matter if I was not there

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt intimidated and second-guessed myself constantly.

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt intimidated and second-guessed myself constantly.

# data[].attributes.headline
I responded by trying to speak with that person, and include them in conversation and interactions.

# data[].attributes.subject
I responded by trying to speak with that person, and include them in conversation and interactions.

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt validated because of the way others accepted me.

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt validated because of the way others accepted me.

# data[].attributes.headline
We were all similar- shared similar values, hobbies, age, knew each other for a longer period of time

# data[].attributes.subject
We were all similar- shared similar values, hobbies, age, knew each other for a longer period of time

# data[].attributes.headline
I was proud to be a part of the group, everyone was friendly and interacted positively with one another, and I had a support system within the group.

# data[].attributes.subject
I was proud to be a part of the group, everyone was friendly and interacted positively with one another, and I had a support system within the group.

# data[].attributes.headline
Having an overall sense of a lack of interest in things I had to say or even for me being there.

# data[].attributes.subject
Having an overall sense of a lack of interest in things I had to say or even for me being there.

# data[].attributes.headline
Since COVID I've felt this a lot... I think I lost some social sparkle. I tend to isolate and feel awkward in the corner.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Since COVID I've felt this a lot... I think I lost some social sparkle. I tend to isolate and feel awkward in the corner.  

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt at ease. I felt like I could just be rather than thinking about being. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt at ease. I felt like I could just be rather than thinking about being. 

# data[].attributes.body
I paused to show others what it looked like to be a part of the group and invited them to join.

# data[].attributes.headline
Invite them into the conversation, if they feel comfortable. Some people are silent observers, and that's an okay role, too!

# data[].attributes.subject
Invite them into the conversation, if they feel comfortable. Some people are silent observers, and that's an okay role, too!

# data[].attributes.headline
I tried to make light conversation with them, help them feel comfortable 

# data[].attributes.subject
I tried to make light conversation with them, help them feel comfortable 

# data[].attributes.body
I didn't feel like there was space for me, because I didn't think or act like others around me.

# data[].attributes.headline
I fell to the sidelines. Did not contribute to the group. Felt judged. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I fell to the sidelines. Did not contribute to the group. Felt judged. 

# data[].attributes.headline
It was difficult to motivate myself to attend this club. 

# data[].attributes.subject
It was difficult to motivate myself to attend this club. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Pull them into conversation and let them feel ackowledged

# data[].attributes.subject
Pull them into conversation and let them feel ackowledged

# data[].attributes.headline
I tried to ask them questions about themselves, so they felt personally invested in the conversation/group.

# data[].attributes.subject
I tried to ask them questions about themselves, so they felt personally invested in the conversation/group.

# data[].attributes.headline
I was held accountable, approached by others for questions and help.  I felt like others appreciated that I was there. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I was held accountable, approached by others for questions and help.  I felt like others appreciated that I was there. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I would reach out and introduce myself so that they could have space to do the same.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would reach out and introduce myself so that they could have space to do the same.

# data[].attributes.headline
Directly ask that person a question to get them engaged in the group.

# data[].attributes.subject
Directly ask that person a question to get them engaged in the group.

# data[].attributes.body
I felt at ease and could communicate with others.

# data[].attributes.body
I was anxious, never came out of my comfort zone of observing others, and struggled to engage in genuine conversations.

# data[].attributes.body
Try to ask them meaningful questions to open up or change conversation subjects to something they know about

# data[].attributes.body
I closed myself off and wasn't taken seriously when I gathered the courage to share a thought or opinion. I felt alone.

# data[].attributes.headline
ask a question/bring up a topic that that person can participate in, even if small

# data[].attributes.subject
ask a question/bring up a topic that that person can participate in, even if small

# data[].attributes.headline
I know I fit in because we could share similar experiences and commiserate or laugh about shared experiences.

# data[].attributes.subject
I know I fit in because we could share similar experiences and commiserate or laugh about shared experiences.

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt tense and guarded. I felt like I couldn't just be. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt tense and guarded. I felt like I couldn't just be. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Get to know the person. Try to include them in conversation. Be friendly and kind. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Get to know the person. Try to include them in conversation. Be friendly and kind. 

# data[].attributes.body
Engage with them with a positive tone of voice and an encouraging demeanor

# data[].attributes.headline
We knew each other beyond a surface level and were able to connect on lots of things

# data[].attributes.subject
We knew each other beyond a surface level and were able to connect on lots of things

# data[].attributes.headline
An unspoken feeling of "i'm with my people."

# data[].attributes.subject
An unspoken feeling of "i'm with my people."

# data[].attributes.headline
Nobody truly listened to my advice/input and seemed I was just a body filling a spot. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Nobody truly listened to my advice/input and seemed I was just a body filling a spot. 

# data[].attributes.headline
MN All-State. My lack of self esteem prevented me from getting  the max positive experience.

# data[].attributes.subject
MN All-State. My lack of self esteem prevented me from getting  the max positive experience.

# data[].attributes.body
I tried to make them feel welcome by smiling, saying hello, looking for shared interests, and not overwhelming them. Sometimes seeing what they need is important for this too!

# data[].attributes.headline
I knew that I wouldn't be judged for being myself.

# data[].attributes.subject
I knew that I wouldn't be judged for being myself.

# data[].attributes.body
You need to know when to try to fit in, and when to move on to a different group. Not everyone will “get you” and that’s ok.

# data[].attributes.headline
My usually extroverted self became very reserved.

# data[].attributes.subject
My usually extroverted self became very reserved.

# data[].attributes.headline
Clear roles were perceived and everyone was allowed to share their voice if comfortable. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Clear roles were perceived and everyone was allowed to share their voice if comfortable. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I draw them into the conversation, or make a statement they can bounce off. Or listen for a tidbit about them - and relate it to someone in the group :) 

# data[].attributes.subject
I draw them into the conversation, or make a statement they can bounce off. Or listen for a tidbit about them - and relate it to someone in the group :) 

# data[].attributes.headline
Try and build a relationship/connection with them. Find something in common. Find that spark. Be uplifting. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Try and build a relationship/connection with them. Find something in common. Find that spark. Be uplifting. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I didn't feel like I could reach out with struggles I was having. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I didn't feel like I could reach out with struggles I was having. 

# data[].attributes.headline
When I knew I was with like-minded individuals but also knew that I didn't stand out.

# data[].attributes.subject
When I knew I was with like-minded individuals but also knew that I didn't stand out.

# data[].attributes.body
Shared laughter and camaraderie

# data[].attributes.headline
I asked them encouraged questions and got to know them so they had a person to anchor them. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I asked them encouraged questions and got to know them so they had a person to anchor them. 

# data[].attributes.headline
In situations where I struggle to fit-in I find myself really watching what I say in order to not have others judge me. It makes me feel unable to be myself.

# data[].attributes.subject
In situations where I struggle to fit-in I find myself really watching what I say in order to not have others judge me. It makes me feel unable to be myself.

# data[].attributes.headline
I was able to communicate freely with others

# data[].attributes.subject
I was able to communicate freely with others

# data[].attributes.headline
Trying to help them find a connection in the group. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Trying to help them find a connection in the group. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Start small.  Simple questions that are easy to answer, easy and friendly conversation. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Start small.  Simple questions that are easy to answer, easy and friendly conversation. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I looked and sounded like them. I could pretend. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I looked and sounded like them. I could pretend. 

# data[].attributes.headline
I felt like few personal differences outweighed many common goals and values that were still shared.

# data[].attributes.subject
I felt like few personal differences outweighed many common goals and values that were still shared.

# data[].attributes.headline
I understood the group's expectations. I shared similar values with other members of the group. I felt comfortable. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I understood the group's expectations. I shared similar values with other members of the group. I felt comfortable. 

# data[].attributes.body
When I was new to a group there was some tension about my addition to the group. It was uncomfortable as the others were old pals and had been together for many years. I was able to have meaningful conversations with folks and connect deeply with them.

# data[].attributes.body
I wanted to help put that person at ease. To help them feel comfortable sharing themself with the group.