I CANNOT count the number of times I was made to give up my bedroom for a relative visiting wherever we were living as expats in the ’70s to ’90s. It was not a choice. In fact, I didn’t even know I had a choice until I turned 21. It was pretty common for people to turn up unannounced — aunties and uncles who helped raise us — and we were expected to be there, irrespective of homework, exams etc. We were scolded if we complained about unexpected guests.

Now, I can’t remember the last time we had an unexpected visitor drop by. I myself have not dropped in on anyone without calling to check if they are available. I guess we’re all just that busy now.

Technology has undoubtedly changed our lives and made the world smaller; we can talk to friends and family anywhere, anytime. You can attend birthdays, weddings, even funerals online. You can find everything you need online; you may even be safer online. But you are also cocooned in your own world online and the internet has made us more self-absorbed.

Yet paradoxically there’s a loneliness epidemic all over the world. The UK was the first to announce a minister for loneliness in 2018, with the aim of reducing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and........

© Dawn