Some say traditions bind people together; others say they can quietly exclude. Where do you land on that?

A natural way to answer

I'd say it depends entirely on how a tradition is held. At its best, it gives people a shared identity and a sense of continuity. At its worst, it hardens into something that prizes belonging over welcome. The same ritual can either open its arms or close ranks, depending on the spirit behind it.

Key phrases to use

• go without saying — to be so obvious or understood that it doesn't need to be stated“It goes without saying that family comes first.”
• close ranks — to unite tightly as a group, often to defend against or exclude outsiders“The family closed ranks when questioned.”
• out in the cold — excluded or ignored, left out of a group or activity“The new arrivals were left out in the cold.”
• make room for — to create space or allowance for someone or something“We should make room for new members.”