I feel your pain about putting yourself out there when it doesn’t (or didn’t) come naturally to you. I did that too and there were definitely lot of gains. But I am now feeling like going back into my cocoon and not feeling compelled to “put myself out there” when my livelihood doesn’t depend on it nor does it bring my joy anymore. I’m beginning to feel like I can use my time and energy for other things instead. I suppose it’s about finding that fine balance - and what that looks like or means evolves over time. Wonderful post!
Exactly. The bringing joy bit is essential. It does not come easily or naturally to me, but I value the interactions. As you said, the balance is what works. Thanks, Ila!
You’re further along in umm.. socialising than me, but I agree so much with the having to “take myself to them”. I’ve gone down a slightly different path, and now when I think if I should write something, I’m getting closer and closer to saying “bhaad mein jaaye duniya, hum bajaaye harmaniya” (sorry for the spelling 😀)…
Good stuff! My writing process fits well in the cabin in the woods style, hehe. I can't write with people around me, physically or virtually. It's a quiet, meditative process for me.
That citation no.3 was a Hitchcockian ending to this! Thank you for such a fun read!
Hard relate to everything.
Nowadays, I become alert when I go 3 months without meeting my group of friends. In my 40s, I am feeling a renewed value to boys' locker room talk. We have reached that stage in life where we can't talk like that anywhere else but here. For eg. One can't hang with their colleagues in their 40s the way they did in their 20s and 30s. Same with cousins.
Hi Rohan. Really enjoy reading your newsletters.
I must say, every time you reference your wife, she comes across as a top-notch person.
Great music choice! You must be proud.
Definitely, top-notch person.
On the last bit, let's just agree to disagree.
I feel your pain about putting yourself out there when it doesn’t (or didn’t) come naturally to you. I did that too and there were definitely lot of gains. But I am now feeling like going back into my cocoon and not feeling compelled to “put myself out there” when my livelihood doesn’t depend on it nor does it bring my joy anymore. I’m beginning to feel like I can use my time and energy for other things instead. I suppose it’s about finding that fine balance - and what that looks like or means evolves over time. Wonderful post!
Exactly. The bringing joy bit is essential. It does not come easily or naturally to me, but I value the interactions. As you said, the balance is what works. Thanks, Ila!
What a great piece.
Thanks a lot, Maanav!
Loved this, Rohan. Hilarious and relatable. Now I really appreciate you coming to the CWC meetup in Bombay! :D
Hahaha! Thanks a lot, Amrita! Always fun to hangout with CWC folks. :)
I hear you loud and clear, Rohan! It’s like you read my mind!
Haha, glad it resonated with you, Avinash. :D
Footnote 3 - best! 😂
They should know the price of friendship!
You're quite capable of talking over the phone for more than an hour. It just depends on how bored you are 😂
True, but that is only when the alternative is having to do some work. :P
Loved it Rohan, you captured the essence of your evolving identity so beautifully.
Thanks so much, Ajay! Appreciate it!
Hard relate from me to this fun read!
You’re further along in umm.. socialising than me, but I agree so much with the having to “take myself to them”. I’ve gone down a slightly different path, and now when I think if I should write something, I’m getting closer and closer to saying “bhaad mein jaaye duniya, hum bajaaye harmaniya” (sorry for the spelling 😀)…
That is where I would want to be! Hopefully, I will get to that zen state eventually. :)
Loved it. You could have been writing about me! You summed up my day reasons for being on social media 😐
Thanks a lot, Binu! So glad it spoke to you. :)
Good stuff! My writing process fits well in the cabin in the woods style, hehe. I can't write with people around me, physically or virtually. It's a quiet, meditative process for me.
Ah yes, I prefer to be alone when I am writing as well. But I need the people for the post-writing validation.
Nah, it's perfectly fine to have a social self (for work) and a private self (for non-work).
Am not raising expectations from you (in the hope that the same be extended to me by the world).
Great strategy. I approve.
That citation no.3 was a Hitchcockian ending to this! Thank you for such a fun read!
Hard relate to everything.
Nowadays, I become alert when I go 3 months without meeting my group of friends. In my 40s, I am feeling a renewed value to boys' locker room talk. We have reached that stage in life where we can't talk like that anywhere else but here. For eg. One can't hang with their colleagues in their 40s the way they did in their 20s and 30s. Same with cousins.
Yes, the beauty about friendships that survive the years is that they allow you to be your truest self.
Thanks a lot, Karthik! So glad you liked it. :)