The Invisible Hand of Our Environment

I remember moving into a high-rise apartment and feeling a strange sense of disconnection despite being surrounded by people. Each day, I brushed shoulders with neighbors in the elevator, but I never learned their names.

Contrast this with my childhood in a small town, where porches were gathering spots and everyone waved as they passed by. It was impossible to feel alone when your environment seemed designed for connection.

Our surroundings can either be barriers or bridges to human interaction. Recognizing this, I've started seeking out spaces that invite engagement, realizing that the design of our environment speaks volumes about our social experiences.