Bubble Popping

Have you ever noticed how in a classroom, no one sits next to each other unless they know the person, or if they have no other choice. It seems like everyone leaves at least one seat between themselves and the other person. I think people are afraid to pop the other person’s bubble and get to know them. We tend to sit in a room like checkers.

I know I do this. I try not to, but it’s comfortable sometimes to just sit one chair away. I didn’t used to be like this. I used to be way more outgoing. I was a bubble popper with no regrets. That’s how I met my current best friend, Kathryn!

It was the first day of Kindergarten, and my family (and hers) were both new to the neighborhood, so naturally I didn’t know anybody else in my neighborhood. We were waiting at the bus stop and I saw her standing by her mom. I really just wanted friends so I walked right up to her and probably said something like, “HI! I’M ALISON! I JUST MOVED HERE! DID YOU JUST MOVE HERE? WHAT’S YOUR NAME?”…. I was kind of obnoxious. Now, the thing about my friend, was that she was almost mute when it came to meeting new people (She isn’t now, don’t worry) so meeting someone like me was probably a little overwhelming. She just kind of stared at me and didn’t say anything. Clearly we weren’t meant to be friends so it was time for me to move on…. wrong! Kindergarten Alison did not let that stop her. Instead of noticing that Kathryn didn’t want to talk to anybody and that’s why she was sitting alone on the bus as close to the window as possible just staring out the window, I decided I would still try to befriend her. I sat right next to her. And I probably talked the entire rest of the way to school. If I remember correctly, it was probably something like this….

I’m glad I popped her bubble, because now we are bestest friends!

I challenge you to try to defy the norm. Sit right next to someone even if there is an open seat one spot away. Introduce yourself to a stranger in your class. Go ahead…. Pop a bubble!