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#From Friends to Strangers#

By vermavkv on September 3, 2023 • ( 30 )

The Bittersweet Truth of Social Media in Retirement

Retirement – a phase in life often looked forward to with great anticipation. The promise of leisure, freedom, and more time for oneself and loved ones. However, as I sit here today, I find myself reflecting on a perplexing aspect of my retirement journey.

It’s a feeling that has lingered within me for quite some time now, and today, I want to pour my heart out.

A vibrant online presence

In the years leading up to my retirement, I had a vibrant online presence, sharing my thoughts, experiences, and emotions on social media. It was a virtual space where friends and I connected, laughed, and occasionally even shed a tear together.

It was a beautiful digital haven where our shared humanity transcended the boundaries of screens and distances.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams

Yet, as I stepped into the realm of retirement, something unexpected happened. Those very friends who once eagerly engaged with my posts seemed to vanish into the digital shadows.

The replies to my posts grew scarce, and even the simple act of clicking ‘like’ became an elusive gesture. I couldn’t help but wonder, what had changed?

The bitter truth unfolded before me, leaving me bewildered and somewhat disheartened. It wasn’t just me who experienced this shift; others in my shoes shared similar tales.

Even person who were also retired, still actively present on social media, chose not to interact with our posts. It felt as if we were left out in the cold, peering in through the frosted window of their digital lives.

Lost Connections

This revelation raised a series of perplexing questions. Was our content no longer appealing? Were our stories not worthy of acknowledgment? Or were these supposed friends merely self-absorbed denizens of a selfish digital world?

A betrayal of trust

But what stung even more was the realization that some of those I had once supported and uplifted during their times of need had now distanced themselves. It’s a situation that could only be described as a betrayal of trust, akin to someone reneging on a solemn promise. It’s as if the very essence of friendship had been tainted.

In my quest to find answers, I couldn’t help but ponder the profound transformation that social media had brought about in human relationships. The platform that had once been a bridge now seemed to be a wall, dividing us from the warmth of connection.

It forced me to reevaluate the authenticity of these friendships–relationships, leaving me with a poignant ache in my heart.

It is time for introspection

Retirement had given me more time for introspection, and I realized that the bonds formed online, while genuine to an extent, were not without their limitations.

The digital world has the power to magnify our self-interest and ego, overshadowing the values of empathy and reciprocity that friendships are built upon.

So, what should one make of this bittersweet revelation? Perhaps it’s a reminder that the true essence of friendship lies beyond the screens and virtual likes.

It’s about the warmth of a comforting presence, the shared laughter over a cup of coffee, and the sincerity of a heartfelt conversation.

Choose to Cherish the real-life connections

As I navigate this new chapter in my life, I choose to cherish the memories and the real-life connections that have stood the test of time. Social media may have its limitations, but it can never diminish the value of true friendship.

And as for those who have distanced themselves, I hold no grudges. Life takes us on unexpected journeys, and sometimes, we must simply let go.

In the end, my retirement has taught me that while the digital world may be a part of our lives, it should never replace the warmth and authenticity of human connections.

It’s a lesson learned with a heavy heart but one that I will carry with me as I continue to embrace the beauty of retirement, both online and offline.