I vividly recall, several years ago as a university student, lying in bed for hours on end while my dreary eyes glanced over picture after picture of potential dates on a dating app. 

I swiped till my thumbs went numb and then pressed on, fuelled by the occasional dopamine hit that came with a “match” — a shiny endorsement of my worthiness as a bachelor. 

Conversations with these strangers were occasionally fun. But they quickly became cumbersome, repetitive and exhausting. 

At some point, I realised I was spending more time texting people I didn’t know on dating apps than I was talking to my friends and family. I was more concerned about finding a new relationship than I was about maintaining and cherishing the ones I already had and were deeply important to me. 

m session, I look forward to the short drive home when once I have parked the car, I can sit in near-deafening silence in there and scroll through my phone for a good 15 minutes.

After I finally emerge from the car, I feel rejuvenated and refreshed, even more so than the workout sometimes. 

Still,

I was worried about whether I was isolating myself too much. Or worse, unintentionally hurting the feelings of those around me by needing to be by myself.