I have the privilege of feeling comfortable being by myself. I’m not sure if that’s because of how I was raised or how my environment shaped me, but I’ve never really felt the need for someone in a romantic sense.

There are perks to this. I spend my free time studying, reading books, and diving into my hobbies. I hang out with friends, spend time with my family, and more often than not, I’m in front of my computer working on personal projects—something many of my friends know I do all the time.

But I don’t know. I think something’s changed.

Maybe it’s because so many of my friends have romantic partners. And since I’m close to them, they often come to me for advice—something I’m always happy to give. I listen, I accommodate, I take in all their stories. But over time, I think it’s built up into something deeper than I expected. Maybe it’s a feeling of loneliness. Maybe it’s longing. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to feel what they’re feeling, do what they’re doing, experience what they’re experiencing.

That said, I’m lucky to have a loving family and supportive friends. I know I’m content. I don’t feel like anything in me is missing.

But damn, it does feel kinda lonely sometimes.