Essay: The Privilege of Company

Ankita Kanda shares a thought-provoking essay on how the people we are surrounded impact us in different ways.

My parents left home for a religious retreat last week. I was supposed to be all alone with my cat. My sister found this the perfect opportunity to spend time together without the watchful, responsible oversight of our parents. She and her fiancé joined me since they had to work from home and write 2 exams in the same week.

I had great company and therefore, I had fun. However, in the midst of all that fun, I did wonder how well I would be if I had nobody. Would I be lonely? I thought about it for a while. Previously, something in my chest would burn with this question. I dare not articulate the thought even in my mind, but I knew the answer.

You see, like most people, I, too, have been left behind. The pain lingers. I have irrational fears of being unimportant and not needed. Regardless, there are plenty of situations in your life which can make you feel as though your presence or absence makes no difference. No exposure therapy needed.