Absence makes the heart grow fonder: Why missing out can be awesome!!

It's easy to get caught up in the fear of missing out, or as the cool kids call it, FOMO. Social media is constantly showing us what everyone else is doing: parties we weren't at, trips we couldn't afford, and brunches we didn't wake up for. It’s a highlight reel of everyone else’s life, and it’s designed to make us feel

You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut :D

like we’re on the sidelines.

But what if we flipped the script? What if instead of fearing FOMO, we embraced it? What if we saw "missing out" not as a loss, but as an opportunity? Let's talk about the incredible, often overlooked power of being absent. Let’s talk about how "absence makes the heart grow fonder" isn't just a mushy old saying—it's a lifestyle.

The Power of the Pause....YES it works. In our hyper-connected world, we're always "on." Our phones buzz, our inboxes fill up, and our group chats are a constant stream of memes and plans. It’s exhausting. We feel this pressure to say "yes" to every invitation, to be everywhere at once, because if we're not, we might be forgotten.

But what happens when you decide to take a break? When you choose a cozy night in with a book over a crowded bar, or a quiet walk in the park over a loud concert? Something magical happens. You give yourself a moment to breathe. A moment to recharge.

This pause isn't just about rest; it's about resetting. It’s about stepping away from the noise so you can hear your own thoughts. It's about reconnecting with yourself. And when you're not constantly running on a hamster wheel of social obligations, you realize something profound: you're not missing out on anything. You're opting in to something else—something that your mind, body, and soul desperately needed.

Let’s be real: not every party is a party. Sometimes, it’s just a room full of people shouting over loud music, and you spend half the night trying to find someone you actually want to talk to. We've all been there.

Embracing absence means becoming a selective socializer. It means curating your social calendar with intention. Instead of saying "yes" to every lukewarm invitation, you save your energy for the people and events that truly matter. It’s a shift from quantity to quality.

And here’s the secret: when you’re not always available, your presence becomes more valued. Think about it. The friend who's at every single event can be taken for granted. But the one who only comes out for special occasions? When they show up, it feels like an event in itself. Your friends are genuinely excited to see you because it's not a given. Your absence has created anticipation, and your presence becomes a genuine gift.

Remember when you were a kid and you had to wait for a new episode of your favorite show to air? The build-up was half the fun. You'd think about what might happen, talk to your friends about it, and when the day finally arrived, it was a major event.

Now, with streaming services, we can binge an entire season in one night. The instant gratification is great, but we've lost that feeling of anticipation. We've traded the sweet build-up for an immediate sugar rush.

Embracing absence brings back that feeling of anticipation. When you take a break from a hobby or a group of friends, the return is so much sweeter. Your reunion with your bestie after a long break feels more meaningful. The first workout after a week off feels more invigorating. That first bite of a food you’ve been craving tastes even better. Absence isn't just about "missing out"; it's about cultivating a deeper appreciation for what you have.

Reclaiming Your Time and Energy

Let’s be honest, FOMO isn't just about missing a party; it's about the fear that our friends are having an amazing time without us, and our life is somehow less exciting. But here's a radical thought: what if your life is so much more exciting when you're not trying to keep up with everyone else?

When you choose not to go to that event, you're not just "missing out." You're gaining something else. You’re gaining precious time to work on that passion project you’ve been putting off. You’re gaining the energy to tackle a new challenge at work. You're gaining the mental space to simply relax and be.

This is the ultimate flip of the FOMO script. Instead of fearing what you're missing, you start celebrating what you're gaining. You gain peace of mind, self-respect, and a deeper connection to your own needs and desires. You realize that your life doesn’t have to be a performance for others. It can just be, well, your life—and that is more than enough.

So the next time you see a stream of posts from a party you weren't at, don't feel a pang of regret. Instead, smile to yourself. Remember that you are in control. You are not a spectator; you are the main character of your own story. And sometimes, the best part of the story happens when you close the door on the world and open the door to yourself.

Because the truth is, absence doesn't make your heart grow fonder of a party or an event. It makes your heart grow fonder of your own life. And there's nothing more awesome than that.

Thanks for reading!!

Do you have a favorite memory of a time you chose to "miss out" and it ended up being the best decision? Share your stories below!