On your first day, lunch feels the longest
On your first day, you spend the whole morning greeting people, yet when lunch comes, you may find yourself standing there with only your tray, unsure where to…
Scenes
- Not knowing where to go — When noon comes on your first day, everyone moves naturally, but I pause for a moment, still holding my tray.
- It's hard to speak first — I want to ask if I can sit beside them, but worried I'd seem like I was imposing, I only drink water and hurry through my meal.
- Even a brief silence sounds loud — Loneliness looks less at how many people are around than at whether there's room for your words to continue. On the first day, even a brief silence can grow into a sign that you're on the outside.
- Write down one thing to say tomorrow — Tonight, instead of judging your first day, try writing down one thing to say at lunch tomorrow. Even if you don't feel lighter right away, it's enough if your words become clear.
- One first-day lunch isn't everything — Just because your first lunch felt long doesn't mean it decides what words will follow there. Did you notice anything change in your body first?
Stories by Dalbit
- Dalbit
- On Friday evening, I was left alone in a room with the light on.
- After saying you’re okay on your first day
- I get asked for favors every lunch break
- There’s someone you think of when you’re sick, but on payday, you hesitate.
- When I get back from a celebration, I start doubting the story I’ve made up about myself.
- At lunch on her first day, one chair was left empty
- After hearing my friend’s news, I fall behind at work
- On the way home, I keep thinking of the same old advice.