My friends made plans without me – is it weird to invite myself?

‘When we jump to the conclusion that we’ve been deliberately excluded, we’re usually projecting our anxieties and insecurities.’ Illustration: Rita Liu/The Guardian

I’m at the pub with my friend, catching up over drinks, when her friend walks in – let’s call her Clara.

Clara mentions the party she’s throwing next weekend. Our mutual friend is counting down the days, but it’s news to me.