Everyone does. At some point of time in life.
Man has an intrinsic need of human company. It is so deeply engrained that love and the need to feel belongingness has been stated to be a human need therefore Maslow features the same in his famous hierarchy of needs. But how often do we feel unloved and unwanted? Even by the closest?
A survey conducted by by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Osteopathic Association in September of 2016 revealed something staggering. Out of a sample size of 2000, 72% of the people felt lonely. This was termed as a silent epidemic in itself.
The causes for loneliness can be multiple- not being appreciated, social media being a few.
First and foremost, we must keep reminding ourselves that we are not alone. Even those who feel loneliness are not actually alone because while we feel lonely, there are others who feel lonely too. So we are part of a pretty big group. That said, very often relationships that are bereft of love, respect and gratitude can be very taxing and those who drain you must be left behind. For their good and your own good.
Friends are family for a reason. One of the surprising trends we see in our generation is that we are gradually losing the art of developing and sustaining meaningful relationships. Technology and social media are blamed instantly. But are they not merely instruments? A knife in the hands of a murderer takes lives but the same knife in the hands of a surgeon saves lives. Don't blame the 'knife'. "Be unto others as you shall have others be unto you."
There is so much good in the world. There are people who genuinely love and care for us. Sometimes, we may take their presence in our lives for granted. We should spend more time with them as they accept us as we are but also push us to level up. Invest your time and energy where it really matters.
Nurture the most important relationship that you have. The one with yourself. People come and go but you will remain. Enjoy your own company. Read lying down on the hammock, dance like a peacock in the rain, scream in joy as the wind blasts your face, pat yourself. Anything. Just appreciate the wonderful human being that you are! Let us practice gratitude. The more we count our blessings, the more we will discover hidden blessings!