Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
Loneliness can strike anyone, even when surrounded by people; it is not necessarily because of our circumstances or because of who we are.
The room was brimming with euphoria. The guffaws seamlessly fused into the clanking of the glasses. Humourous anecdotes were shared – some new and some fond reminiscences.
As I stood up to fetch the bowl of nachos from the kitchen, I scanned the hall and let out a smile. It was amazing to witness how my girl squad had managed to sprawl together on the miniature sofa.
I turned around to proceed but something felt weird. I began to feel sick all of a sudden. My steps became heavier and I realized I was palpitating.
It was back!
That gnawing discomfort had gripped me again. I grappled with it, pulling out all my strength from within, and finally managed to set myself free of its grasp. Or so I thought. I stared at it in the face this time, and yelled.
“What the hell are you doing here? There is no place for you amidst this crowd.”
Loneliness smirked.
“You still don’t get it, do you?” it retorted.
I stood there in submission, still and clueless.
“All the people out there are around you. But, I am inside you.”
Author’s Note:
Loneliness can hit anyone, anytime. It is not lack of contact with people. A person living a life of a loner may not necessary feel lonely. It is a subjective experience that can creep inside due to various reasons.
We often form perceptions about our friends or family members or even acquaintances based on what we see on the surface. But, sometimes, upon scratching we discover a completely different layer lying underneath. If we can provide someone a shoulder to cry on or an intent ear to listen to them, let us do it. A few minutes from our life can mean the world to someone. And, most importantly, do not hesitate to get medical help if you are hit by loneliness and are struggling to deal with it.
If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal, here are some of the helplines available in India. Please call.
Aasra, Mumbai: 022-27546669
Sneha, Chennai: 044-2464 0050
Lifeline, Kolkata: 033-2474 4704
Sahai, Bangalore: 080–25497777
Roshni, Hyderabad: 040-66202000, 040-66202001
Image source: pexels
Multiple award winning blogger, influencer, author, multi-faceted entrepreneur, creative writing mentor, choreographer, social activist and a wanderer at heart read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
UP Boards Topper Prachi Nigam was trolled on social media for her facial hair; our obsession with appearance is harsh on young minds.
Prachi Nigam’s photo has been doing the rounds on social media for the right reasons. Well, scratch that- I wish the above statement were true. This 15-year-old girl should ideally be revelling in her spectacular achievement of scoring a whopping 98.05% and topping her tenth-grade boards. But oddly enough, along with her marks, it’s something else that garners more attention – her facial hair.
While the trolls are driving themselves giddy by mocking this girl who hasn’t even completed her school yet, the ones who are taking her side are going one step ahead – they are sharing her photoshopped pictures, sans the facial hair, looking nothing less than a celebrity with captions saying – “Prachi Nigam, ten years later”.
Doctors have already diagnosed her with PCOD in their comments, based on photographic evidence. While we have names for people shamed for their weight – body shaming, for their skin colour- racism, for their age- age shaming, for being a female- sexism, this category of shaming where one faces criticism for their appearance has no name. With that, it also has zero shame attached to it.
Please enter your email address