Believe me, Charlie, it pains me to be on the same side as Dickey on anything--it's an unnatural act.

But if you can't tell the difference between spitting in somebody's face and putting
a ham sandwich in front of him, you need to think this through a bit more. This is so unlike you--you're usually a very clear thinker.

Since I suspect you were a kid at one time, you might consider this: Kids need to feel they are not outsiders--that they belong. A great way to ensure that you are considered an outsider is to insist on special treatment. Protesting that you should not have a ham sandwich in front of you--when nobody else would complain--is asking for special treatment. And thereby making yourself an outsider--needlessly.

Not smart.

Look at what the boy said: "Before I felt like I fit in and everything was normal" That tells you what he wanted. He wanted to fit in. This is precisely the wrong way to do that. In fact, it will get you a reputation as a crybaby who needs adults to fight his battles--and an outsider.

Since I was a once a child, I know this is true. And you may also recognize it.

Anybody who would push the boy to protest the ham sandwich is doing him no favor.