Jay,

I think the lesson I'm trying to get across here is that you have the ability and the right to pursue connection regardless of status. But many people use status as a dodge to avoid doing the direct work of learning to connect.

The truth is that to connect, you need to build a skillset -- reaching out, being reliable, attending carefully to the needs of others, and learning how to have fun, and to be fun.

It's not too difficult. And it's very enjoyable. But it's also true that sometimes status gets in the way.

I don't have great advice since I don't know you well, but generally I'd say don't fixate so strongly on those areas where you're blocked by status differentials that you forget to bring the most open and dynamic version of yourself to those areas where you're not.

Also, money says that if you sink effort into directly cultivating the skill of socializing -- along with being warm, open, altruistic, and confident -- you find that every gain you make in those areas, when paired with a bit of bravery, can help you close the gap that you're feeling a little self-conscious about.

J