It's as if everyone around has already found their own, and there's some kind of invisible norm in this that supposedly can't be violated. And so you sit and feel like you're a little out of this picture.

But you know what's the funniest thing? I'm not ashamed that I used to be embarrassed about it. That's true. Because before, this shame was funny - like a children's game that everyone is involved in, and from which you want to get out. Being alone seemed temporary and wrong. I tried to look like everything was fine, like I had everything under control, but inside there were a bunch of doubts and uncomfortable questions.

Everything is different now. The shame of loneliness is not as acute. It is rather replaced by some kind of calm honesty with myself. Being alone is not a sentence, but simply a state in which I learn to hear myself. And it turns out that it is not as bad as it seemed before. I am in no hurry to hide it, I do not try to justify or explain it.

Sometimes it seems to me that loneliness is like a respite in the very hustle and bustle of life. As if the world suddenly stopped, and you can finally exhale. Understand that you can not live up to someone's expectations and not seek someone's approval. This time for yourself is so important and so rare.

And it is also interesting - how much your view of yourself changes when you stop being afraid of being alone. It is as if you open a new door, behind which there is freedom and a little mystery. This does not mean that I refuse relationships or the desire to please someone. It means that I choose myself and my peace, and not fears and shame.

There is a power in this. The power to be honest with yourself and not hide what does not always fit into the usual framework. Sometimes it seems like the world is waiting for other stories from you — a love story, a partnership, joint plans. But I have my own story, and it is also important.

I wonder — how do you feel about the fact that someone can be alone and not feel inferior? Not feel ashamed, but accept it as a part of yourself? 😊

Perhaps this is a question not only for others, but also for yourself. Learn to be gentle with yourself, even when everything around you is not perfect. Learn to enjoy small moments and not be afraid of your loneliness. This is a new level of understanding yourself, and it is not always easy.

That's it — I am not ashamed to be alone now. But sometimes I am a little ashamed that it took so long to stop being afraid. And this is also part of the journey.

Mari