Why should workplace exclusion not be blamed solely on the person targeted?

Being different does not make exclusion deserved. A friend who seldom joined colleagues' gatherings later faced gossip and exclusion at work. After a department transfer, others' prejudices about the earlier events remained, leaving the friend increasingly afraid of scrutiny and further talk.

Group life does require cooperation, but if constant accommodation leaves you persistently unhappy, consider alternatives such as a more suitable workplace. Practice should not require enduring everything. Clothing and personality cannot justify harassment or harm. Understand the person hurt, and distinguish who did what.

In another case, someone previously bullied remained frightened and affected by the past even after the outside problem was temporarily addressed. I continued exploring their self-image and confidence in protecting themselves. Helping someone see lingering inner concerns does not turn harm caused by others into their own responsibility.