To the left of the room, he took his seat near the window. Two people waved to him as they passed by and one stopped to say “hello.”
Most of the others walked by without a word. Many without a glance. He was saddened for a moment and wondered why they did this. They must be busy, he decided.
He watched as others gathered around their friends and family. He was intrigued by their interactions, laughter and conversations. A proud father and his small child held hands as they walked side by side. A loving mother comforted her crying baby, as she pressed its small body against hers. A group of girls giggled in the corner of the room together, while several boys played in the back.
A while passed. No one else came over to him. No one waved. No one saw him.
He sat alone, watching the others. He wondered why he was different. How come people didn’t interact with him, like they do with everyone else? Why did most of them pass by him as if he were nothing more than furniture?
He sat alone, waiting. Waiting for someone to see him. Waiting for them to realize that he’s a person too. That just like them, he has feelings. He wants to feel loved.
He wants to be wanted.
The loneliness burned inside of him, melting him away little by little. For most people, the pain would have been too much to bear, but for him it was life. His life. The life that he had grown accustomed to, or so he thought. After all this time he should have been used to it, but he couldn’t deny the hurt that he felt. The hurt that he faced continually and carried with him everyday.
He wanted to cry out. To express his feelings, hoping that someone would hear, but he didn’t know how. How could he help them to understand? He couldn’t. So he remained silent. They would never understand. Nothing would change. In their eyes, he would always be different and would always be treated that way.
He sat alone. That was his life.
Everyone wants to be wanted.
No two people in this world are exactly the same. Everyone has their own unique qualities and characteristics. Not everyone is understood. Not everyone speaks, looks, or behaves the same way. However, that does not mean that they should be treated any differently. Everyone has feelings. Everyone wants to feel loved. Everyone wants to be wanted.
No one regardless of their background, race, social or financial status, disability, or age should be treated lower than someone else. Everyone deserves respect, love and compassion.
No one should be left alone just because they’re different.
Take a moment to talk with someone you normally would not. The impact of your kindness may be greater than you think.
Me - Who am I? 
What a lovely post and suggestion. You are so right.
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Thank you for reading. I wish that more people would understand the importance of this.
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So true and well expressed. And as evidenced in misogynistic circles of late with discrimination, objectification and the nightmare of rape culture, I would add the female gender to the list.
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Thank you. You are right about that, and in some cultures it is much worse than in others. Women should never be treated unequal, as objects, or as slaves.
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Great suggestion! I think part of this is lack of empathy, but another is just lack of awareness. Our culture tells us it’s ok to build our lives around ourselves. We’re so wrapped up in our feelings, our desires, our wants that we never take the time to open our eyes and be aware of other people’s needs and feelings.
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I agree with you. I also think that sometimes it is a person’s fear of leaving their comfort zone. People don’t know how to interact with those who are different than them, so they avoid it altogether. You’re right that we can be very wrapped up in ourselves to the point where we are blind to the needs of others. It shouldn’t be that way though. Other people need us, more than most of us realize.
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Agreed. I think that’s the strangest thing about today’s culture…there’s more people than ever but more unhappiness and loneliness than the world knows what to do with. A lot of that comes from not being intimate with people and reaching out to others. Not only do others need us, but we need them. Getting out of ourselves is often the best therapy money can buy, and it’s free! Imagine that.
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I like people that are different. I have a lot of empathy for kids with special needs or learning differences.
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Same here. I am drawn to those who are different. Like you, especially those with special needs. They need to know that they are important and loved, just like the rest of us. Thank you for being that way.
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I think some of us are able to be more sensitive to others don’t you think? Put ourselves in their shoes a bit. I am not the only one or the best.
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I agree with you. Yes thankfully, there are certainly more people out there who feel this same way.
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Really nice post, miss. I hope I’m brave enough to do just that.
Wishing you and your children a happy and blessed holidays.
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I appreciate that, Matt! You brave enough? Have you read your own posts? I’m pretty sure that you’re brave enough to do anything you want.
Thank you! I wish the same to you and your son!
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Very, very well said Me Who. And seasonally significant. Keep your eyes and heart open, people, to those in need of a smile, a hello and human compassion.
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Thank you, Mark. Although it is important year round, you are right that during this time of the year there are many more people hurting from loneliness. We must keep our eyes open and even look beyond the smiles. Sometimes a smile is hiding what is truly underneath.
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I try to remember this when it’s hard for me to be outgoing. Or be the one to start a conversation. I wonder how hard it is for the other person to speak up. So I try more often to be the one to say hello and smile. It’s not as easy at it looks. But it is VERY rewarding.
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You’re right. It’s not always easy. Sometimes we don’t know hot to approach people or we doubt whether or not we will be able to come up with something to say. At times they have disabilities too, that cause us to have to get out of our comfort zone. But as you said, it is very rewarding when we do.
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A lovely post and a great last line. But over the years I have understood that you just cannot keep waiting for others to come and talk to you. I am an introvert, and accomplished at hiding in the furniture. But maybe, you need to take that first step yourself to open up and invite people in. There is only so many times other people can help you. The onus is on your own self – most of the time.
That said, some people genuinely have a problem, for example people with special needs. Then the argument I made stands null.
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I agree with you. Introverted people need to speak up too. They can’t always rely on others to take the first step. This post was inspired by those with disabilities and those who are different, but it does apply to all types of people. Most people at one time or another get left out for being misunderstood or misjudged.
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We all may look different, but on the inside, we’re relatively much the same.
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That’s exactly right.
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Wonderful post. It is hard for some to approach someone they do not know, or is different from them, but I believe it is an important thing to overcome. I am comfortable doing this and have seen first hand the difference it can make to someone when you take the time to ask how they are or say hello. I came to really understand when I was introduced to a someone who was with their daughter who has Down Syndrome. I exchanged conversation with the father, and then turned to the daughter and asked where she went to school, what subject she liked best. A week later I ran into the father who thanked me for making conversation with his daughter, it had meant a lot to him as most people act as if she is not there when he is with her, they make no effort to include her, or acknowledge her. I was touched that he told me and I also never forgot it.
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What a sweet thing you did by talking to her. From a parent of an autistic son, I thank you also. You talking with that girl, I know brought so much joy to his heart. It is so incredibly difficult to watch your child be treated as if they are invisible. Most people don’t do it on purpose. It’s just that they don’t know what to say, so they say nothing at all. What they don’t realize is that even a simple hello would be cherished. It doesn’t take much to make someone feel cared about. Thank you for not being afraid to talk to those who are different.
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You are so eloquent with your words. Impressive to say the least. And it’s appropriate for the holiday season. ❤
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Thank you Glynis. I truly appreciate that. You’re right – it is a good time given the season that we are in. We can never give, care or show compassion enough, especially right now.
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