Social Life

Social life - What does it really mean? I genuinely want to understand this.

Is it a collective garbage truck where people throw their nonsense in shiny wrappers?

Is it being part of a group that identifies itself to be separate from the rest of the homo sapiens?

Is it a space for everyone's FOMO and insecurities to dance around?

Is it a soul sucking dementor that forces people to put up a facade and shows its sharp teeth to anyone daring to express a bit of vulnerability?

Or is it even a space to keep venting out all the frustrations of life without having to take any responsibility to make oneself better?

Is it a mirage that promises you to offer every single one of your desires and leaves your hands empty and heart bruised by end of the day?

Is it something we keep running behind seeking validation but facing rejection, abandonment, disrespect and neglect in return?

Was the concept of 'social life' built by the people and for the people?

If so, where did the design go wrong? Why are we doing this to ourselves?

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I opened my window curtains. Nice aroma from my neighbour's kitchen filled my living room and tempted me to cook something nice.

My neighbours are having a conversation outside their door while leaving home. Their voice manages to tap on the shoulders of my solitude and remind me of the existence of fellow homo sapiens around me.

My phone rings with a WhatsApp notification. I see a spotify song link from a friend. It's our favourtie pastime dissecting song lyrics and bonding over the lyrics we found soothing and interesting.

I went for a walk. I exchanged smiles with familiar faces and we continued walking in our respective directions.

And in a lot more of such tiny moments where we could maintain a safe closeness. I'm tired of the word distance. Even the word itself feels so distant. I don't need distance. I need closeness and warmth. But a safe closeness where one person's wounds don't get to spill on another habitually. A closeness where silence feels safe. A closeness where presence and mere existence is valued more than transactional gives and takes.

I enjoy having this safe closeness in my social life. I may not have much to offer. If my presence can make your life feel less burdensome and bearable for even a moment, I am happy with my version of social life 💚