Two things have happened recently that make me wonder why some people just seem to be excluded while others seem (to me) to carry a popular gene.

Someone very close to me has been going to an event for two years. They haven't made a lot of friends but are on friendly terms with people. They recently introduced an acquaintance to this group and last night that person was invited to a party in front of them - and they weren't invited. Ouch!

This kind of thing happens to me too. Part of it is the group, I'm sure, but it is really hard not to self-blame. It makes you paranoid that you are giving off some vibe you aren't even aware of.