Strange Kid in Paris…
There’s this one really odd, friendless kid at my school. In three weeks, we’re heading to Paris, and it turns out no one signed up to share a room with him. He seems to think we’re all close friends (I really can’t stand him), and he only put my name down. This morning, the teacher approached me and asked if I’d be willing to be his “roommate,” which feels incredibly awkward. Being the nice and compassionate person I try to be, I reluctantly said “yes” while looking a bit down, even though my friends and I had a plan in place. I don’t want to be selfish, but I also feel it’s unfair for one friendless kid to ruin my entire trip. What should I do?
Edit: For those suggesting I’m being a bully, if that’s the case, why did he choose me to be his roommate? That doesn’t make much sense. I’ve always treated him kindly and would never voice my frustrations.
It sounds like you’re in a tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel conflicted. While it’s great that you’re being compassionate by agreeing to share a room with him, it’s also important to recognize your own needs for a fun trip with your friends.
Maybe you could try to make the best of the situation. Consider talking to him before the trip to set some boundaries about your time together, like having quiet time to yourself or doing things in the hotel that you enjoy. You could also try to involve him in some group activities with your friends, which might help him feel included and reduce the burden you feel.
If it really feels overwhelming, it might be worth discussing your concerns with the teacher. They might be able to help find a different solution. Ultimately, it’s about balancing kindness with your happiness on the trip. You deserve to enjoy it too!