It's okay to be happy in your own world

When I was 15, my name would often appear on the "most talkative kids" list. I would talk about yesterday's homework to the morning's favourite song, I always had the stuff to speak about. I was loud, even if my bench mate didn't pay attention, I was there, probably annoying her, which I'm just realising. Fast forward to 3 years, I have a small circle of 4-5 friends, whom I consider my second family, and I met them all online. It's funny how random meetings with a stranger on a lucky day can lead to your lifetime's best friendships. Despite having the lesser quantity, I'm happier about them than I ever was with my real-life ones. So what do you want to say? Your circle matters! Quality is better than quantity. Until 2021, when I was in my old group, I was heavily bullied, to the point, I just thought "oh it's just for fun" and when I look back to realise I was being mistreated and that I did not raise my voice, it's a gut-punching feeling. It's okay to be in your world, it's okay if you don't want to announce to all your followers on Instagram how your day went. What matters most is the circle and your presence in it. Do the people you call friends, love you? Do they respect you? Will they pick up your call when you get a mental breakdown out of blue? In a generation where there are opinions about everything all around you, it's okay to be an observer and take notes.