Over the years, I have come to recognize something that every human on the earth needs. People need to connect. And I do not mean by using the latest software that will connect all aspects of life to each other seamlessly. I mean that people need to connect to other people.

In my (limited) experience, people do not do well on their own. If somebody falls, it is nice, and even urgent, that they have somebody to be with them and pick them back up. The buddy system extends beyond elementary school. A lot of people, especially people from adolescence to adulthood, idolize independence. But I think that the secret to a sound life is interdependence. It may hurt one's pride, but by making oneself vulnerable to a trusted few, one does become stronger because they have an outside source of help, so that when one's world is falling down, someone else will be able to lift the sky until one can get back on their feet.

So whenever someone is being "edgy" or disheartened, and they tell you that they do not want to talk to anybody, give them some time. Yes, a little bit of time by themselves. But remember that they need to connect, or they will lose themselves inside their problems. Nobody really gets anywhere completely by themselves. Even entire countries have interdependent economies. So be a helping hand, and never be afraid to ask for help as well. Empathy is a basic human concept and should not be shadowed by pride.