Chapter 2: The Comfort Zone of Virtual Friendships

I acknowledge the joy that online friendships bring and the opportunities social media has provided to meet wonderful individuals. Nonetheless, I realized that I had allowed this digital realm to become my safety net. It was all too easy to hide behind a screen, conversing with someone halfway around the globe, serving as a distraction from real-life experiences.

When faced with mundane tasks, I would often resort to messaging friends or engaging in social media to escape. With so many individuals to connect with online, the urgency to socialize in the physical world faded away.

The downside? I found myself neglecting my creativity. For anyone involved in artistic endeavors, it’s clear that the best ideas arise when the mind is free to wander. My excessive engagement in online chats drained my energy and stifled my growth as a writer, forcing me to trade one narrative for another — a deal I began to question.

Chapter 3: The Real-World Disconnect

I soon realized that my extensive time spent on my phone was robbing me of the joy found in tangible experiences. I was determined to step back from the online universe, as I didn’t want to forsake the genuine delights of life. In 2022, the world leaned heavily on digital connectivity, which, while increasing accessibility, often left me feeling drained and distant from real-life pleasures — be it quality moments with friends, exercising outdoors, enjoying a good book, or simply gazing out the window during a commute.

Another issue arose: I started to overcommit to my online friends. I felt compelled to assist them and be available at all times, which led to a neglect of my own needs and responsibilities. My work projects suffered, and I found myself procrastinating instead of focusing on personal growth and learning.

Chapter 4: Reevaluating Online Investments

Most online relationships are transient, and even in-person connections can falter. This realization prompted me to reflect on how much energy I was willing to invest in relationships that may not endure. While nurturing relationships is commendable, overcommitting can quickly spiral into a burden that jeopardizes my well-being.

It became essential to reassess my priorities. How do I wish to allocate my time? What aspirations do I hold for myself in the coming months? This introspection led me to understand that I needed to detach from my phone and reestablish my life in a less tech-reliant manner. However, I wasn't ready to sever ties with the meaningful connections I had built over the years.

In the video titled "How to know when a friendship is over | breakups, red flags, grief," the nuances of identifying the end of a friendship are explored, emphasizing the signs and feelings that accompany such transitions.

Chapter 5: Taking a Necessary Break

I decided it was time for a break. With exams approaching, I informed my online friends that I would be stepping back for a while. I wanted to ensure they understood that this wasn’t a farewell, but rather a temporary pause, allowing me to focus on my personal growth.

During this time off, I aim to concentrate on myself and appreciate what the present has to offer. I aspire to invest more in my own development, relishing experiences and creating memories that extend beyond the digital realm. I still hope to meet new people and forge friendships, but I want a significant portion of that to occur in real life.

In the video "These Habits Are Ruining Your Friendships (THERAPIST EXPLAINS)," the discussion highlights common pitfalls in friendships and how to navigate them effectively, shedding light on maintaining healthy connections.