Uniqueness - We all are in a different reality.

Emma and Claire had been best friends since college, their lives moving in parallel ever since. Both had built solid careers, married supportive partners, and created comfortable routines. They met for coffee once a month, catching up on work, family, and whatever life had thrown their way. But today, Claire sensed something different in Emma—an unease that hadn’t been there before.

As they settled into their usual table by the window, Claire sipped her latte and smiled. “I have to say, life is feeling really good right now. Work is busy, but in a way that I love. Dan and I are finally planning that trip to Italy, and honestly, I just feel… happy. Content.”

Emma stirred her tea absently, staring into it like it held the answer to something she couldn’t quite name. “That’s great, Claire. Really.”

Claire tilted her head. “You don’t sound convinced.”

Emma sighed. “I don’t know. It’s weird—I should be happy. My life looks a lot like yours. Good job, great husband, plenty of stability. But lately, I’ve been feeling... stuck. Like I’m in a loop, doing the same things over and over. I’m not miserable, but I feel like there should be *more*, you know?”

Claire nodded slowly. “I get it. But what does ‘more’ look like to you?”

Emma frowned. “That’s just it—I don’t know. I love my life, but there’s this restless feeling I can’t shake. I keep thinking maybe I need a new hobby or a change at work. Something to shake things up.”

Claire set her cup down. “See, I don’t feel that way. I like the rhythm of my days, and I don’t really need ‘more.’ I’m not looking for the next big thing—I’m happy with what I have.”

Emma looked up, studying Claire’s face. “So, do you think I’m overthinking it?”

Claire smiled. “No, I think we just need different things. You might be wired to seek out new challenges to feel fulfilled. And I might be wired to find fulfillment in keeping things steady.”

Emma leaned back in her chair, considering that. “That actually makes a lot of sense. I guess I’ve been wondering what’s wrong with me instead of realizing I just need to figure out what excites me again.”

Claire nodded. “Exactly. It’s not about having more—it’s about figuring out what makes you feel alive. And it might not even be a big thing. So if something feels missing, maybe it’s just something inside you asking to go explore.”

Emma let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. “I like that. I don’t need to be *unhappy* to want something different.”

“Exactly,” Claire said with a grin. “So, what’s one new thing you can try this week? No pressure, just something to stir up that curiosity.”

Emma thought for a moment, then smiled. “I don’t know yet. But I’m going to start looking.”