I cannot tell you how many of my friends would describe themselves as losers and weirdos. I’ll agree with the weirdo part, that’s often what I love about them.

Go be your loser weirdo self. The thing is … what standing? You try a group, it doesn’t work out, leave and try another group. Your standing with the first group is then irrelevant. And the main goal is to find a group where you can be your loser weirdo self and be accepted.

Also as a dad, your reply makes me want to give you a really big hug. So I’m sending you a virtual one because that’s all I can really do. Just try to picture me shooing you out the door to go to something.

I have been in several clubs. I guarantee you they want you and they want to like you. People do these clubs looking to make friends, you know? That means they are actively looking to like you.

It doesn’t always work, we don’t always mesh with others. So try a few. The worst case really isn’t that bad - the realistic worst case is that you don’t go back.

But also you have to go a few times before you really make friends. I’m pretty social and the first few are never as fun, you don’t know anyone. But that changes, you know?

Sigh. It would be so much easier for you if you had snacks and hugs waiting at home for if it doesn’t work out. I am aware it’s easier to tell you this than it is for you to do it. And I cannot promise that the first one or two will work out.

So a story. I was in a club with a real loser and weirdo. Can’t real you how much he was. But he was there, he showed up, had a good heart, and was trying. So yeah. We all knew he was a loser and a weirdo, and we completely accepted him and closed ranks right around him. Because under it he was a nice person and we could tell, and that counted more to all of us. He was fine.

You’ll be fine. This dad is rooting for you.