On days when we notice a strangely colored sky, see a stray cat making a cheeky face, or simply come across a delicious dish we want to tell someone about, opening a chat app and starting to type these stories can suddenly bring a feeling that makes us hesitate and then slowly delete those sentences.
Deep down, we fear that the stories we want to share might seem 'trivial' to friends busy with their own lives, or worry that they could be an emotional burden for someone single who has no one to listen to these small daily events.
This feeling of loneliness in adulthood quietly gnaws at us, but we don’t know whom to tell. Thairath Plus invites everyone to explore, understand, and cope with the loneliness that arises within us.
Anthropologists have explained that all humans are born to tell stories. Our desire to share small daily events is natural; it not only relieves worries or loneliness but also confirms that we still exist in this world.
When someone listens to our stories, philosophically, these stories—while true—gain greater meaning through another’s perspective.
Think back to childhood moments when we wanted to show off something to friends or trusted people. The instant someone listens and affirms our thoughts makes us feel our stories are tangible and real. Adults are no different; we simply need 'witnesses' to confirm that our existence each day is real and gives life more meaning.
Many worry their stories might bother others. Psychologists call this The Invisibility Cloak Illusion—the feeling that others aren’t that interested in us. But in reality, humans need communication more to maintain relationships than for content or academic knowledge. Sending messages about trivial or everyday matters helps sustain relationships and signals trust to the recipient that we feel comfortable sharing these stories.
Philosophically, humans feel complete only when others reflect that image back to them—like enjoying a bowl of noodles alone but finding the flavor more meaningful when shared with friends who can appreciate it through our words.
Besides sharing stories with close friends, research from the University of British Columbia confirms that small interactions with people around us—neighbors, coworkers, regular vendors, or even security guards at our condo—affect our happiness and sense of belonging. These exchanges help reduce the fear that no one cares about our stories.
Exchanging little stories with these people can immediately create positive energy and good feelings, without needing deep relationships or the expectations often tied to romantic partners.
Ultimately, the small stories we want to share are not always trivial; within them lies our humanity—a basic need to be acknowledged by someone. Not being bound by relationships also creates space for us to learn to connect with others in more diverse and freer ways.