The Curious Case of “Recluses” – When Your Friend Becomes a Houdini!

Jishith G [MECH]

“Recluse” sounds like a very funny word – even so much so that we might start laughing when someone refers to someone by that word. The word “recluse” refers to a person who likes to live a solitary life, disconnecting from people from the past. We all have friends who have switched on ‘recluse mode’ at some point. When it is a friend whom you really look forward to, it is painful and hard to live with.

In the corridors of our college, in our hostel, was there ever that one friend who always made things better? You’re going through college the rough way. Your recluse appears – suddenly. For the roughest courses, surrounded by your blues in life, your inhibitions, your concerns, and your lack of confidence… they tutor you, and more than anybody, they inspire you to aim high. It was splendid; you were close to them, and you confided in everything. All of a sudden, it’s over. Poof! You can’t contact this friend of yours. They’ve vanished. The sites, the instant messages – you even pursued them in the streets, but then one day they simply stopped coming around. How bizarre is the recluse, and what is it about their nature that makes these fantastic friends abandon us just when we need them the most? I am here, making an effort to bring forth some theories that probably work with them.

• So-called “Busy Schedules”: Between a bit of work, binge-watching Netflix, and pretending to exercise, who has time for friends?
• Your family thinks old friends are a bad influence. They prefer you make new friends, like your cat.
• They’re into yoga retreats, you’re into eating marathons. It’s a tough match.
• They moved to NY, you moved to the couch. Long-distance is hard!
• Your new friends laugh at your jokes. Enough said.
• It’s a mutual agreement—nobody’s ringing, nobody’s picking up that phone.
• Remember that time they spilled grape juice on your favorite shirt? Yeah, still not over it.
• Liking their cat photos on Instagram counts as keeping in touch, right?
• You’re on to bigger things now, like mastering the art of microwave cooking.

Look back to our college life; your friends are the ones who shared the most formative years of your life. The days when you all sat on the edge of your seats, nervously awaiting the results of that brutal thermodynamics exam, and the nights spent over circuit diagrams and dreaming of the future. They understand the unique bond forged over countless evening parties, impromptu cricket matches in the quad, and the joy of discovering new things together ( well, you know that one, right?) . They laughed with you during the carefree moments and stood by you during the tough times, offering support and camaraderie. Keeping in touch with them means holding on to the memories of a simpler time, filled with dreams, challenges, and the unbreakable spirit of being together.

Don’t let these connections fade; they are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of your past, grounding you as you navigate the future. Find the ‘recluse’ in your life, and bring them back – that’s all I have to say.