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Why Your Social Connections Matter More Now Than Ever

Sally Clarke
3 min readMay 18, 2020

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When isolation started, some people grew anxious at the drastic impact on our social lives. But for me, isolation has alleviated a major source of anxiety.

I explained it to my nephew recently. He’s usually an office-bound engineer but is loving the WFH vibe.

“How’s isolation for you, Auntie Sal?” he queried.

“Honestly Alex, this is my time to shine. I’m an introvert and enjoy my own company. Isolation offers a legit reason to be antisocial. I don’t have to say ‘no’ because there are no invitations to turn down. It’s the perfect crime!”

My strong introversion correlates with my fierce independence. From when I was a little kid, I believed that I had to be capable of doing everything alone. For the longest time I found it nigh-on impossible to ask for help.

It’s not just me, though. Our society is highly individualistic. We are ingrained with the belief that we should not need other people to be happy.

Self-sufficiency is everything.

Asking for help is a sign of weakness.

Needing others is pathetic.

…This is total bullshit.

You are a social being. By definition.

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Sally Clarke
Sally Clarke

Written by Sally Clarke

Wellbeing & burnout author, expert, writer & speaker. Global adventurer. she/her www.salcla.com

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