When you’re sitting on a bench, and you see someone who needs a seat, do you make room?

Or do you subtly spread out, looking a little larger ... a little wider. Silently communicating, “No space here for you.”

Some people like to protect the space they’ve claimed for themselves. Others are happy to scoot in: “Please. Come sit. There’s room.”

This dynamic happens wherever benches are found ... but it also happens in social, academic, and professional circles.

There are some who insist, “We’re full. No room for you.” And others who are more than willing to welcome newcomers.

Whether there’s a bench involved or not, making room for others is not always the comfortable thing to do, but it’s often the right thing to do.