LIFE AS IT IS

  From my The Daily Star article Living abroad taught me that shallow conversations drain more energy than solitude ever could. Trimming my social circle in my 40s was not about being unsocial—it was about protecting my peace and cherishing the few who truly know my heart. One can call me unsocial, although I will disagree with them. I think I am just socially selective, because in my mid-40s, I love depth over noise. Yes, my friend circle has shrunk over the years. However, the people I call friends today have stood the test of time, which means that together, these people make my support system.   Just like people change over time, friendships change, too. At some point in life, you may begin to seek genuine friendships rather than surround yourself with people merely because you need someone to talk to. As for me, I would rather spend my time alone than socialise with people with whom I have little in common. At this point in life, I simply cannot make small talk; it drains...

 I was at Panera Bread, waiting for my takeout sandwich and quietly observing the crowd. The place was full on a Friday evening. Except for one or two, all the tables were occupied.  My eyes fell on a lone elderly woman having her dinner over a salad and a sandwich at a nearby table. She watched something on her phone as she ate, and laughed quietly. She appeared to be around 75. Her hair and nails were done. She had delicate gold-rimmed glasses on, three bracelets and two rings on her right hand, and a watch on the other. She wore a full-sleeve white top with a thick gold chain and a pendant hanging just below the neckline. She was well put together.  The woman, in her autumn years, was all by herself on an October weekend eve. Yet, she looked happy and completely unbothered by the reality that she was eating alone in a bustling restaurant where most guests had come with friends or family. Some people don’t stop living until it’s truly time to say goodbye.  এদেশের ব...