Social Anxiety in the Digital Era
Understand why social anxiety is rising and how online comparison intensifies ancient belonging fears.
The Experience of Standing Slightly Apart
You stand slightly apart, close enough to be present, far enough to remain separate.
This position holds without explanation.
It does not signal rejection or failure.
It simply reflects how connection sometimes arranges itself—near, visible, and offset.
Normalize apartness with DojoWell.
Explore DojowellFrom Art to Science
Articles exploring the psychology behind these patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I always feel like I'm "standing slightly apart" from the group?
Standing slightly apart is a structural orientation that preserves autonomy. In this model, it is a valid way to be present. You are "socially adjacent" but not "narratively merged." This protects your integration capacity by keeping a "buffer zone" between your identity and the group's collective loops. Normalizing this experience allows you to enjoy the benefits of social inclusion without the "immersion cost" of losing your individual coherence or becoming overwhelmed by group demands.
Can I be "part" of the group if I'm standing apart?
Yes. Membership is a Status fact, but proximity is a choice. You can be a fully valued member of a family or team while maintaining a "separate" internal state. The Meaning Density Model™ encourages this as a sustainable way to live. By not forcing yourself to "merge" completely, you stay regulated and present. This "apartness" actually makes your contribution more valuable, as you bring a coherent, independent perspective to the group rather than just an echo of the collective.