The many shades of socialising Socialising is an important part of human life. We need people, conversations, companionship and a sense of belonging. Meeting others allows us to exchange ideas, share experiences and build relationships. But have we ever paused to consider what socialising actually means to us? Does it mean meeting new people, expanding our social circles and attending gatherings? Or does it mean meeting familiar faces, enjoying meaningful conversations and nurturing relationships over time? Perhaps the answer lies in recognising that people have distinctly different approaches to socialising. There are three broad categories. The socially active: These are people who enjoy being surrounded by others. They move comfortably between different age groups, neighbourhoods, professional networks, friends and extended families. They enjoy hosting, attending gatherings and expanding their social circles. Interactions energise them, and an active social life contributes si...
The other side of the sparkle Some of my brightest childhood memories of Diwali are intertwined with firecrackers. The excitement, the anticipation and the sheer joy of watching an anar light up the night sky are still vivid in my memory. How different things look today! The same spectacle that once filled me with excitement now makes me think of the pollution, the risks and the price we pay for a few moments of celebration. I am sure many of us have similar memories, perhaps with a few incidents that have stayed with us over the years. My brother once met with an accident while bursting crackers, and his eyebrows were completely burnt off. I remember another incident when a cracker accidentally fell on my foot. The injury healed, but the mark is still there. We were fortunate that these incidents did not have more serious consequences. But not everyone is as fortunate. Sometimes, what begins as a moment of excitement can change someone’s life forever. Recently, I was listenin...