Do You
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is actually for people who exercise an excruciating fear of loneliness. Bottom line is that you don't have to be at every event (virtual or real time), because not every occasion is a fun one. When people prophetically say that "life is too short", think of it in that reference. Another Friday, another bad party? Yeah, life is too short. It's a despairing thought to not be able to sit by yourself and listen to a really good song, or binge watch yet another Netflix series with just you and delicious food delivery. To me that is personal FOMO, I would miss the fun of being alone.
Then there's the relationship insecurities. Am I pretty enough? Am I smart? Am I enough? Always say yes to all those questions. The two of you hooked up, because there was something there. We have all shared the moment when we tried to bend our personality to somehow fit into your significant other's world. Maybe their friends would like you more. When those doubts pop up, just remember that he, she, they is not pretending to like you, he, she, they really does like you. So, why are you pretending to be something that you're not?
Life is too short to be bored and boring. My friend said that her biggest fear is actually being boring. The truth is, we are all boring to someone. Everyone has different interests and levels of patience.
I once had acquaintances that all they wanted to do was gossip about other people. Not necessarily in a mean or vicious way, but it's a certain type of self-righteousness that doesn't sit with me. When I share things about other people, it's pre-thought out, there's always a reason for it and not for the sake of getting what could be false information out there. It's because of something that I experienced and choose to share it with people that I trust. Then my acquaintance said, "who else can we talk about?" And there it was, I was so bored of this boring person.
I want to talk about ideas, music, good books, bad books, a new app, that new vintage shop everyone's buying from, last week's art opening, how you are feeling, is everyone still eating avocado toast, what's with that new non-milk, your new hair color looks really good on you, what was the last thing you Googled, Copenhagen, planning a trip to Paris, what are you Netflix binging and should I be. The conversations of an adequate, curious life.
It is ironic how social media apps have allowed us to forget all about ourselves. It has trained our brains to "share" but not necessarily care. Don't ever feel like you need to catch up on Instagram or TikTok, the next big thing is always around the corner. Stick with what you love to do.
photo credit
Choose your squad carefully and thoughtfully. You want to be with friends who will stick up for you and not gossip about you. Once in a while, take a walk by yourself. Think things through. By all means, don't forget to stop and Instagram Story the roses.
Put some quality back into your personal time, don't forget that it's a pretty valuable commodity.
Do you, be you and stick to people who like you just as you are. You'll be more than okay.
