Overview
Maya and her best friend Kyle have always sat together at lunch. One day, Maya notices a new student, Jade, sitting alone across the cafeteria.
The Choice
Should Maya sit with Jade or stay with Kyle?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 8.240769576957696
- Word Count
- 303 words
- Published
- Mar 24, 2026
The Dilemma
Maya and her best friend Kyle have always sat together at lunch. One day, Maya notices a new student, Jade, sitting alone across the cafeteria. She feels that it would be kind to invite Jade to join them. However, Kyle has been struggling with fitting in and relies on their lunch time as a moment to connect deeply with Maya. "If you sit with her, what about us?" Kyle asks, looking concerned.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Invite Jade to sit with them at lunch.
Continue sitting with Kyle as usual.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers โ the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
How might Jade feel sitting alone?
- 2
What does loyalty mean in friendship?
- 3
How can Maya balance kindness and loyalty?
- 4
What could Maya say to make Kyle understand?
- 5
How would you feel if you were in Kyle's place?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Confucius
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
