No animal should ever jump up on the dining-room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own... — Fran Lebowitz

No animal should ever jump up on the dining-room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation.

Author: Fran Lebowitz

Insight: Fran's rule is actually about belonging anywhere, not just furniture. You need more than an invitation to a room—you need something real to contribute. It's why awkwardly quiet people often leave parties early.

Source: Social Studies, p. 112, 1981