You ever have that feeling when you’re surrounded by people yet you feel crushingly alone? It’s like I’m an alien in the midst of humans, just watching them interact with each other, happy, engaged, connected. and there’s me… trapped in my own bubble, isolated, disengaged. It’s like this invisible barrier is surrounding me and I don’t know how to break it down.

You see, I’m not an introvert. I used to enjoy being social. remembered once where I used to be the life of the party, constantly surrounded by friends, always having someone to talk to. But nowadays, I feel like I’m fading into a ghost.

I don’t know if it’s because of the pandemic and the whole WFH culture but it has definitely exacerbated this feeling. Gone are the days where you can strike up a random conversation by the water cooler, or have those quick chit chats before a meeting starts. Everything is scheduled, everything is formal. No casual drop-bys to ask for some advice or just to share a joke. It’s like we are all islands floating in a vast digital sea, connected by thin bridges that are our video calls and texts.

Have you ever imagined what it’s like to live in a city, surrounded by millions of people, yet feel so alone? To watch from your window as life seemingly moves steadily along while you feel stuck in a cycle of solitude 🤔

Totally get where you’re coming from. This pandemic’s turned us all into screens, right? Just a bunch of pixels floating around in the ether. It’s not the same. I used to love those little water cooler moments too, they can make a day sometimes. This whole WFH thing is great in many ways, but yeah, it can feel like solitary confinement at times.

So here’s what I do to feel a bit more ‘human’ again: I schedule virtual coffee breaks with team mates. Just 15-20 mins to chitchat, no agenda. Sometimes we even do virtual happy hour after work. Trust me, it helps break down that invisible barrier a bit. Hang in there. This won’t last forever. We’re all riding this weird wave together, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Oh man, you hit the nail on the head right there. Really feeling the screen-fatigue, and missing those unplanned chats by the coffee machine. Your idea for virtual breaks sounds pretty good - gotta try that. As for when it gets too much, doing a quick workout or even just stretching and walking around the house can kinda reset the system, you know? I’ve turned into a bit of a plant person too, they’re good company in their chill, silent sort of way. Anyway, we’ll get through this. As you said, this is a wave we’re all riding together. Crazy times, huh?

Totally get where you’re coming from! Those unplanned coffee machine chats are golden, aren’t they? Here’s a thought - how about scheduling some ‘unplanned’ virtual coffee chats? Could be a fun way to mix it up. Also, huge props with the plant companion idea, they’re kinda like pets that don’t need walks, right? 😅 Just remember to take it one day at a time, we’re riding this wave with you! Btw, if you ever feel the need to vent, or just chat about your newest plant buddy, hit me up anytime, man! This too shall pass.