Everyone’s leaving, but I’m still here
As Friday work winds down, my coworkers leave in pairs, saying goodbye. My seat is still here, but I feel more out of place.
Scenes
- Everyone’s leaving, but I’m still here — As Friday work winds down, my coworkers leave in pairs, saying goodbye. I’m still at my desk, feeling like I don’t fit in anywhere.
- I do try starting conversations — I say hello and sometimes share a quick smile. But when I see everyone leaving together, I wonder if I belong here.
- They started talking about next week — By the copier, my coworkers talked about their weekend. I gathered the papers and just listened, unable to join in.
- Loneliness and Belonging — Loneliness doesn’t come only from having few people around. It can grow when, even among others, it’s hard to tell whether you belong in the relationship.
- Think of Someone on Your Mind — Think of one coworker who’s on your mind today, and quietly choose a short thing you might say to them. If words come, you can also notice what you’re hoping for.
- One Greeting Doesn’t Decide Everything — Even if you couldn’t say it then, what happened today is still what happened. Next time, I’d like to hear more about what you felt first in that moment.
Stories by Dalbit
- Dalbit
- After hearing about my friend, my own day feels small.
- Even in the salon mirror, the silence between me and my husband follows me.
- Folding laundry, I start worrying about my child again
- In the family chat, it’s always Mom who speaks
- When the elevator doors close, I want a moment alone.
- After I take a photo, I only look for my old face.
- Friday evening, feeling low for no reason
- When I see my reflection in the subway window, I have even less to say to my husband.