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The Not-So-Horrifying Truth About FOMO: I’m Not Falling for It
Urban Dictionary describes “FOMO” (short for “fear of missing out”) as that nagging feeling that if you skip a party or event, you’ll miss something epic. It’s like regret but cranked up to eleven. You might not even want to attend, yet the thought of missing out on a legendary moment makes you anxious. What if the greatest thing ever happens and you’re the only one left out?
I get it; I’m human too. Many of us want to keep up with everything happening around us, especially with social media shining a spotlight on every party, gathering, and cause. It’s hard not to feel a twinge of jealousy when you find out your friends had a run-in with a celebrity while you stayed home binge-watching your favorite show. You missed out, and that stings. Suddenly, you’re spiraling into a cycle of anxiety about potentially missing out on future events—it’s like a social anxiety monster lurking under your bed.
But here’s where my inner “crotchety cat lady” pipes up, shaking her fist at the kids on her lawn. She wants to tell you, “Cut it out.” My issue isn’t with the idea of FOMO itself or even the quirky acronym. It’s about the underlying sense of dissatisfaction that often accompanies it.
Imagine you’ve been invited to a party, but you’re just not feeling it. It’s the night you planned to do your hair, or maybe it’s just a little too crowded for your taste. Like a responsible adult, you politely decline. But then the “what ifs” start creeping in: What if something incredible happens? What if you miss a life-changing story? Suddenly, the FOMO kicks in.
Should you just suck it up and go? You could drop by for a bit; you don’t want to come across as rude. After all, your hair can be washed tomorrow! That anxious feeling? It boils down to discontent with your own choices. Part of you is proud of prioritizing your well-being, while another part is screaming, “What if I’m missing out?!”
The truth is, you can’t predict what might happen at that event. And while it’s tempting to dwell on the unknown, you know that your hair is in desperate need of some dry shampoo, you’re behind on your favorite shows, and you simply need a moment to recharge.
Instead of stressing over hypothetical good times, why not focus on the things you can count on? Many of us are racing through life, overcommitting ourselves, and burning out in the process. As Steven Tyler might sing, “We don’t wanna close our eyes, we don’t wanna fall asleep.” (You’re welcome for that earworm.)
Let’s slow down. Let’s embrace our choices to take a breather instead of doing everything all the time. The more we opt out of the frenzy, the more special our moments become. Gone are the days when missing out on a dance or football game felt monumental. We’re adults now, and we need to prioritize what serves us in each moment instead of letting anxiety rob us of our joy.
So, goodbye FOMO. The only thing I’m worried about missing is an afternoon nap tomorrow.
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Summary
FOMO, or the fear of missing out, often stems from discontent with our choices. Instead of stressing over what we might miss, we should focus on being content with our decisions and recognizing that our time is precious. Embracing our own choices allows us to enjoy life’s moments without the anxiety of comparison.