Here are some definitions by eighth graders when asked the difference of fitting in and belonging, from Brené Brown’s book, Daring Greatly.
- Belonging is being somewhere where you want to be, and they want you. Fitting in is being somewhere where you want to be, but they don’t care one way or the other.
- Belonging is being accepted for you. Fitting in is being accepted for being like everyone else.
- If I get to be me, I belong. If I have to be like you, I fit in.