When I got started with minimalism, I only focused on physical clutter. I got rid of unnecessary stuff, like old clothes, and books that were collecting dust. But as I decluttered my physical space, I realized minimalism was not just about things.
My social life was also crowded and cluttered. This clutter consisted of shallow interactions, constant texting instead of meeting in person, and social media scrolling. I was spreading myself too thin by trying to stay connected with too many people, and I felt disconnected from the people who truly mattered as a result.
So, I applied minimalism to my relationships. A sort of "social minimalism." Instead of trying to keep up with every acquaintance or constantly replying to online conversations, I focused on several meaningful connections. I started prioritizing quality over quantity.
I asked myself: Who are the people that truly add value to my life? What relationships are worth my time and energy? By being honest with myself, I let go of several relationships that were draining me.
At first, it felt so strange! The silence from not being in 15 different group chats was almost eerie. But over time, I noticed that the friendships I did nurture became deeper. Instead of sending quick, shallow texts, I called people. I now also had the time to hang out more often, which further deepened my bond with them.
Since then, my social life has transformed: I no longer feel stretched thin. My conversations are deeper and more meaningful. I’m also more present with the people I care about, and they can feel it too.
Overall, I have more time and energy to enjoy my friendships. I also no longer feel the need to please everyone or be involved in everything. Nowadays, I feel the joy of missing out.
My conclusion: it’s great to have less noise and more connection in your social life, and social minimalism is a great tool to accomplish that.