A lot of people feel this

Feeling isolated

Connected to everything, close to no one.

You're not alone

You can be around people all day and still feel on your own. That's common, and it doesn't mean something's wrong with you. The natural move is to pull back, and that only makes it worse. What works is reaching out yourself instead of waiting for someone else to. It feels awkward. Do it anyway.

What can help

• Message one person today. A couple of lines is enough to start a kōrero.
• Join a group that does something together. Sport, a club, a class. You make friends by turning up, not by trying to.
• The first time will feel awkward. Go anyway. It wears off fast.
• Say yes to one small invitation you'd normally turn down.
• Be the one who reaches out. Most people are waiting for someone else to make the first move.