Loneliness

Who is more lonely?

The one sitting alone at a party?

Or the one cracking jokes?

Loneliness may be hard to identify

It is even tougher to quantify

Numbers underestimate this silent epidemic

It is worse after the COVID-19 pandemic

The definition of loneliness is very subjective

It is distressing from every perspective

Is it a 'state of mind' or 'just a phase'?

Is it waking up at night or gloomy days?

Does it make one more shy and awkward?

Does it lead to low self-esteem afterward?

Some say it is due to the breakdown of families

Due to trending individualism mentalities

And when a gadget is man's best friend

All social interaction comes to an end

Even dating is now largely digital,

Hybrid work schedules are irresistible

Loneliness is as harmful as 15 cigarettes a day

50% more chances to die prematurely they say 

Niharika Prasad