We humans are social animals. Not in the “Instagram likes” kind of way, but in the primal, evolutionary, hardwired-to-connect kind of way. Since the time we discovered fire and realized group dinners were better than solo cave meals, we’ve thrived in community.

Being social isn’t just about small talk at weddings or forwarding birthday wishes after Facebook reminds you — it’s about showing up. Sometimes with cake, sometimes with silence, and occasionally with tissues and a fully charged phone for those long heart-to-hearts. The true essence of social living is the magic of small gestures. One kind word, one genuine check-in, one act of kindness — it goes further than you think. Like tossing a pebble into a pond, the ripples spread.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Somewhere along the way, this beautiful idea of mutual connection started resembling a subscription plan — where some people show up only when it benefits them. And then unsubscribe when their life gets an upgrade. You know, “new job, new friends, who dis?”

I’ve often hit pause on my life — stepped in, stood up, stuck around. I’ve been the 2 AM call receiver, the celebration photographer, the emergency beer-bringer. And yet, some of those very people now ghost me with the enthusiasm of a haunted house. It’s not heartbreak. It’s more like a “Wait… whaaaat?”

But hey — plot twist — this isn’t a sob story. I’m not here to guilt-trip anyone into retroactive gratitude. This is just a reminder to not underestimate the power of kindness, especially when it’s not trendy.

Because the truth is, people remember how you made them feel. Not always immediately, not always visibly, but deep down, those gestures count. And if all of us made the tiniest effort — to reply, to acknowledge, to show up once in a while — the social web wouldn’t feel so threadbare.

So, be kind. Be there. Send that “thinking of you” text even if it’s just because your Spotify playlist reminded you of them. Invite someone in, even if you’re unsure if they need it. You never know when a simple act might be the thing that helps someone hold it together.

And if you’re someone who has forgotten a person who once showed up for you, it’s okay. Life happens. Just… maybe don’t make a habit of it.

The world’s messy enough. Let’s not make kindness optional.