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Fran Harrison's avatar

So deeply true, if there were a thing that were truer than true, this would be it.

You know, I'm hopeless: constantly not noticing I've put my phone down somewhere, and resorting to Google's Find My Phone to give me an approximate geographical location for it. More than once, I've gone into work, spent a happy day doing my thing, and only realising when I go to find it at the end of the day that I didn't actually remember to bring it.

I'd say I'm generally fairly connected, but I refuse to be dominated, especially by a Thing, rather than a Person. Maybe that's it: I've managed to keep from being sucked in by Pavlov's Ping, somehow. Perhaps I just have no friends... :D

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Strawbridge's avatar

That kind of friendship sounds great. I am glad you found yourself. You probably need recharging from time to time. I also value alone, thinking time. It allows to sit and file through my thoughts instead of having them bull rush me. Anyway, I am so glad to learn more about you.

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Strawbridge's avatar

Thanks so much, I am glad you liked the story. Well friends are overrated. Socially competent people, unlike me, can make new friends anytime. It sounds like you care about things in your life, and know your priorities, but are battling trying to be good at everything. Also, JOMO applies to everything, I believe. Not just technology. We are overloaded. It is harder than ever to be a perfectionist. I am speaking as one.

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Fran Harrison's avatar

Yes, I agree. I've always needed my own company. It's just taken me a few decades to accept that the societal norm will judge you for that, and that's their problem, not yours. Since then, I've actually found a small group of like minds, kind of a loners' collective. We're perfectly happy in each other's company, because we share the need for space, so we don't overcrowd each other. We don't give or expect instant responses to messages, and we totally get it if people drop out of plans last minute. We all know That Feeling.

You have me nailed on trying to do everything well, but I think I have partly my genes and partly my C-PTSD for that. Still learning that good enough is (sometimes) good enough!

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

Not only was this essay enlightening, it made me laugh! The Star Wars reference, the dog story, the birthday wishing—guess what FB told me yesterday and what I felt obligated to do? 😳 I love how your essays always seem written TO me.

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Strawbridge's avatar

I am so glad someone gets my humor that I like to place just below the surface. Yep, if you do not JOMO (I want to make it a verb, so I am) the birthday wishes will be almost an everyday thing. I mean the social media busy bees probably have to wish all kinds of things every day. Social media is like getting into a cult, because it is hard to get out. Thanks so much, that is about the best compliment a writer can receive. I hope my stories continue to resonate with you.

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𝐂𝐁 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧's avatar

Each one has so far!

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