Spot on. You get it. It sounds simple yet it isn't. I tell someone make your own reality. I try my best to use it as a way to keep in touch. Like when you knew your friends phone numbers or write letters. Sometimes, not always, i try to disconnect for a part of the day. I make my own place. Read a book, think, watch a movie, whatever feels right for the moment. Like you wrote, I use the technology to assist me in reaching out, not be my world.
I love that! There's no denying that how we move through the world has shifted. But we can still be analog some of the time - it just requires a bit of conscious effort like all the habits you mentioned. Thanks for reading!
What a wonderful essay. I think you really hit the nail on the head re: social media and our post-pandemic social laziness. Very difficult habit to overcome.
Your reference to life in Sweden made me wonder if this issue is more endemic in America though? During my post-pandemic visits to Europe it felt like people were out and about more, interacting, making eye contact, etc!
So difficult! But dating app #s have been plummeting and a lot of *discourse* about loneliness...so I'm assuming we all want the social laziness to change???
Really good point. 100% had the same experience, which is funny because Swedes say Americans are soooo friendly. I think it's the other way around! I think Americans are great at performing niceness but are closed off comparatively, probably because we are such an individualistic culture that values productivity over relationships. It felt like we were all having one big party in the streets in Stockholm.
Mhm definitely! We're all just... too lazy to make it happen, haha
And agreed re: the focus on individuality versus community. Upon reflection I don't think Americans are inherently productivity-hungry creatures though. We're molded by the every-man-for-himself capitalistic structure we live in. Slightly harder to make friends when you're busy hustling to have decent healthcare (sad lol). On a brighter note, I love party in the streets vibes! Felt the same way when I was in Copenhagen earlier this year - it was magical
And I think you're right. Sometimes the idea of free health care or education feels like a nebulous idea in this country but living in Stockholm, I saw the more daily effect firsthand: people were just happier, more peaceful, more kind to each other. Maybe cultural but maybe also because they didn't have a student loan or an insane health bill in the back of their mind.
Spot on. You get it. It sounds simple yet it isn't. I tell someone make your own reality. I try my best to use it as a way to keep in touch. Like when you knew your friends phone numbers or write letters. Sometimes, not always, i try to disconnect for a part of the day. I make my own place. Read a book, think, watch a movie, whatever feels right for the moment. Like you wrote, I use the technology to assist me in reaching out, not be my world.
I love that! There's no denying that how we move through the world has shifted. But we can still be analog some of the time - it just requires a bit of conscious effort like all the habits you mentioned. Thanks for reading!
It was a true joy. Thank you.
The words! You articulate our collective bewilderment and put into this writing perfectly. I'm glad i found this, instantly subscribed.
I LOVE "collective bewilderment" - such a good way of putting it. Thank you!! And so glad to have you.
What a wonderful essay. I think you really hit the nail on the head re: social media and our post-pandemic social laziness. Very difficult habit to overcome.
Your reference to life in Sweden made me wonder if this issue is more endemic in America though? During my post-pandemic visits to Europe it felt like people were out and about more, interacting, making eye contact, etc!
And thank you! <3
So difficult! But dating app #s have been plummeting and a lot of *discourse* about loneliness...so I'm assuming we all want the social laziness to change???
Really good point. 100% had the same experience, which is funny because Swedes say Americans are soooo friendly. I think it's the other way around! I think Americans are great at performing niceness but are closed off comparatively, probably because we are such an individualistic culture that values productivity over relationships. It felt like we were all having one big party in the streets in Stockholm.
Mhm definitely! We're all just... too lazy to make it happen, haha
And agreed re: the focus on individuality versus community. Upon reflection I don't think Americans are inherently productivity-hungry creatures though. We're molded by the every-man-for-himself capitalistic structure we live in. Slightly harder to make friends when you're busy hustling to have decent healthcare (sad lol). On a brighter note, I love party in the streets vibes! Felt the same way when I was in Copenhagen earlier this year - it was magical
Copenhagen is heaven!
And I think you're right. Sometimes the idea of free health care or education feels like a nebulous idea in this country but living in Stockholm, I saw the more daily effect firsthand: people were just happier, more peaceful, more kind to each other. Maybe cultural but maybe also because they didn't have a student loan or an insane health bill in the back of their mind.
Lisa! I just wandered over here from your comment on Emily Sundberg's latest, and I'm so glad I did. I truly loved this whole piece.
Thank you, Cate!! That's so kind - glad you're here and that this piece connected.
You got it! Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful & refreshing take❣️