When Selfishness Leads to Loneliness

Alex was a high school student passionate about gaming, and it was the only way he could relax and feel happy after stressful hours of studying. Every day, Alex spent most of his time playing popular games like Fortnite and Call of Duty, paying little attention to those around him, including his family and friends.

One afternoon, while deeply engrossed in a game, his mom called out from downstairs, asking if he could help take out the trash. Alex replied absentmindedly, saying he was busy and had no time. His mom sighed quietly and went to do the chores alone. Alex felt nothing but satisfaction as he relished the moments of victory in his game.

A week passed, and Alex kept up his routine. He didn’t join any conversations with friends, didn’t help out his family, and always avoided social responsibilities. One day, Alex received a call from his best friend, who said he was going through a tough time and needed someone to talk to. But Alex simply responded, “Sorry, I’m busy and don’t have time.”
The next day, when Alex saw his friend again, he felt a twinge of guilt, but he quickly brushed it aside and returned to his favorite game.
As time went by, Alex began to feel lonely. His friends stopped inviting him to hang out because they felt he didn’t truly care about them. His family also started to feel distant and cold, as Alex continuously shirked his responsibilities at home.
One evening, sitting alone in his room, Alex suddenly realized he had no one to share his joys or struggles with. The games could no longer fill the emptiness in his heart. He wondered if he had been so focused on himself that he had forgotten the true meaning of life lies in building connections and supporting those around us.
From that moment, Alex decided to change. He started helping his mom with chores, joining his friends for coffee or a game of basketball, and taking the time to listen and share. The fleeting satisfaction from gaming was no longer the center of his life; instead, it was the genuine connections he rebuilt with others. Alex realized that caring and sharing not only brought happiness to others but also made him feel more fulfilled.

This story illustrates that if we focus solely on satisfying ourselves without considering others, we may end up feeling lonely and disconnected. However, by building meaningful relationships and helping those around us, life becomes much more rewarding.