Bright red lights flickering “Thai Country Café” ushered me towards a quaint restaurant nestled in the middle of the Delmar Loop. With the ring of a bell as I opened the door, an employee emerged from the back of the restaurant, walking toward me across the white-tiled floor. 

Now, when I pass students hurrying to class, I do recognize more faces and give a friendly nod or wave. But I also hardly glance at the people I don’t already know.

Junior year we tried to go on, not talking about politics and trying to enjoy each other’s presence, but by senior year, I was deriding him as a bigot and he was dismissing me as a Social Justice Warrior. What little civility we shared was pushed to the brink by the election of Donald Trump.

In regards to the group, difference is natural, difference is normal and difference will remain despite the similarities that stand, no matter how overwhelming their presence.

I won’t be disturbed, creeped out or think you’re some kind of psycho if you ask to sit at my table if I don’t know you.

It’s tricky trying to create plans with a set group of friends and feel like you’re not being exclusive. No one wants to feel like he’s shutting someone out, and no one wants to be shut out. At the same time, it can be frustrating and feel like a breach of personal space when a friend consistently includes himself in your plans when he is not welcome.

Ultimately, if this behavior continues and consistently upsets you, it may be time to reconsider the friendship. Such an ingrained habit is not likely to change any time soon—simply telling the other person to cut the crap does not guarantee that your friend will change his ways once and for all.

This week on Claudia’s Counsel: “I’m new to Wash. U. How do I show that I’m likable and get people to be my friend?”

How do you judge the value of friendship? People get married everyday with the belief that they’ve committed their lives to a best friend. To become someone’s best friend, certain traits need to be developed.

Our friends are the unsung heroes of our lives. They have this sort of magical knowledge that lets them instantly tell if you are upset, how upset you are and exactly what to do to make you feel better.