Sitting alone by choice and having everyone worry about you.
SITTING ALONE BY CHOICE AND HAVING EVERYONE WORRY ABOUT YOU.
Follow us for more Cafeteria Chronicles stories and much more!
Remember those moments? Surrounded by a buzzing dining hall, the clatter of cutlery a constant symphony, yet you find that empty table in the corner. It wasn’t loneliness, not really. It was a conscious decision, a precious pause amidst the relentless pursuit of excellence. Perhaps you needed to decompress from a brutal problem set, process an awkward encounter from your seminar, or just savor a quiet meal without the pressure of performing social brilliance.
Yet, you could feel the glances. The subtle head tilts, the whispered "Is everything okay?" from well-meaning peers. In an environment where every interaction often feels like an opportunity, choosing solitude can paradoxically feel like an anomaly, even a red flag. We’ve all been there, navigating the unspoken expectation to always be "on," always networking, always engaged. Sometimes, the most courageous act was simply choosing peace over perceived productivity, even if it meant fielding concerned queries. It’s a unique part of the journey at these institutions, isn't it? That internal battle between ambition and introspection, played out over a plate of dubious cafeteria mystery meat. Share your quiet corner tales.