This is an interesting topic and I like reading the various responses. I don’t think any one viewpoint anybody here posted on this subject is wrong. I think sometimes there is manipulation going on in relationships - probably often. Sometimes people do truly connect though and they just relate to each other well. They might not realize they are treating other people differently but I’m guessing in some cases they do and don’t care.

I often have a hard time understanding why I’m on the outside looking in. I guess it’s what I am doing or the way I am and I don’t understand it. In some cases, like at work, I’m glad I remain an outsider to an extent because it keeps me out of any negativity or drama. I don’t get special treatment but I also stay out of trouble.

With friendships I feel sad that I tend to be more of an outsider and people seem to treat each other different than me. In some cases I’ve been glad because it turned out the relationship wasn’t a good one for me after all... but in other cases I feel sad that I didn’t form a closer bond.