BY MAL JAMES
In my early twenties, I used escapism like binge-watching, gaming, and social media to distance myself from reality, a sign of dissatisfaction and potential mental health issues, often revealing a desire for a different life.
Contrary to the typically positive view of nostalgia, it can signify dissatisfaction with the present when someone frequently reminisces about the past and avoids discussing the current situation, possibly indicating a desire for a different life, especially when combined with other signs mentioned here.
Excessive self-criticism, extending beyond healthy self-reflection, can signify a deeper dissatisfaction, often originating from not meeting personal expectations or desires and may be disguised as a pursuit of perfection or a strong work ethic.
Frequent and obsessive comparisons of one's life to others can indicate a deeper longing for a different path and a disconnection from one's own journey and values, unlike occasional and lighthearted comparisons.
In my early twenties, compulsive purchasing served as a temporary fix and a distraction from the fulfillment I was missing in life, and this behavior, while embarrassing, can be a subtle sign of a desire for a different life.