Dear Diana,
As a kid, I was a loner. I remained the same during my college days as well. It was only after I got myself a job in the public sector that I could come out of my cocoon. But then, I'm also facing the side-effects of being out there in public. There's politics, backbiting, gossip and late night travesty in the name of friendship. I was better off alone. I don't know how to go back to my good old cocoon where nobody bothered me and vice-versa. I am 29. What should I do?
— Prathamesh

 

Dear Prathamesh,
No man is an island and no human can survive alone. The world consists of introverts and extroverts, but yours seems to be an extreme case of the former. You have always shunned attention and seem to be happy in your cocoon, but to survive you need to come out of your shell. Also, seek counselling as it can put your fears to rest.