Being too independent can lead to isolation.
According to surveys, 27% of economically active Russians today experience fear of loneliness, and 73% declared the absence of such anxiety - a record figure in the entire history of the observation. In 2009, every second person (51%) experienced a fear of being alone.
Why is this so? Psychologist Yekaterina Catalina connects this with digital technologies - online communication softens the effect of physical isolation. But there is a nuance: live correspondence with loved ones is not the same as endless scrolling in social networks.
The lack of fear of loneliness in itself is good. This is how people build relationships voluntarily, talk openly about their needs and do not suffer humiliation in order not to be left alone.
The main thing is what replaces the attachment to one person. If friends, colleagues, neighbors come, the quality of life increases. If not, there is a risk of complete isolation.
It is not self-sufficiency that is dangerous, but the "I don't need anyone" attitude. The psychologist recalls: The World Health Organization considers loneliness and social isolation a serious public health problem.
Being independent is cool. Being independent and without a single friend is already a diagnosis.