Missy was hanging out with her best friends Sarah and Esther, but she was staying quiet. Sarah and Esther both have big personalities, so they usually dominate the conversation. Missy tries to speak up every once in a while, but she usually ends up being cut off by one of the girls. Today, Sarah was talking about how she and her boyfriend broke up. Missy tried to show empathy with her words and nonverbal communication, but Sarah wasn’t paying attention to her. Missy gave up and just listened. Esther on the other hand was given much attention and was asked for advice and guidance. Missy felt left out just like usual. All of a sudden, Sarah turns to Missy and says, “Missy, don’t you care that my boyfriend and I broke up? You’re not even trying to support me. You’re just sitting there being quiet.” Missy replied, “Am I being quiet? Or do you just never try to listen? I have been listening the whole time, and I chimed in to offer support, but you ignored me. This happens all the time, so I just decided to stop trying.” Esther butted into the conversation and said, “What is your problem, Missy? Sarah has had a terrible day, and you’re making it worse.” Missy couldn’t believe that she was being accused of not being supportive and was told that she was making things worse for Sarah. She grabbed her purse from the back of her chair and stood up. Missy told Sarah and Esther, “Since I am making things worse, I will just excuse myself. Sarah, I hope you are able to work through this quickly and come out of this stronger than ever.” Missy walked away and headed towards the door. Sarah and Esther went back to their conversation immediately. It was like Missy leaving had no impact on them. When Missy made it to her car, she exhaled a sigh of relief. She had stood up for herself and was able to be the bigger person and walk away. Missy wasn’t sure if she would ever see or talk to Sarah and Esther again, but she wasn’t upset about it. She realized that she had a voice, and she needed to use it more often.