Is it normal to be saddened by the passing of time?

95% Normal
13 Comments

Like most families, mine isn't perfect but we do the best we can for each other. My sister lives on the other side of the U.S., away from us (myself and parents) and once or twice a year, we get together and have lots of fun. Inevitably however, at the end of our visit I become tearful and sad by the realization that life is so short. I am acutely aware that our visits are 'numbered' and know that one day, my parents will die, that I will die, that she will die, and my family, as I know it and as it exists today, will be no longer; that each visit is a beautiful experience but is one less than I had before. Life, in part, is about enjoying it while you can because all things come to an end but during these moments I am inconsolable, desperate, and helpless; I cry like a baby each and every time we say good bye. I hate it that this fun stuff hurts me so and I wish I could ignore the 'finite-ness' (probably not a word, I know) of my, and everyone else's, being. Is this normal?

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95% Normal
Based on 80 votes (76 yes)
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Comments ( 13 )
  • couchpotato222
    13 years ago

    This is actually the very question I came to this site to ask. Everything you wrote is what I feel. I feel like I never can enjoy myself with family because I'll inevitably feel so sad at some point. I think I dodge interactions with people in general to avoid this feeling. I feel terrible sometimes that I come off as cold or uncaring because I seem to want to be alone or don't call, etc. But really I love my family and treasure any memories of being with them.

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  • doctorp567
    13 years ago

    There are a lot of stars in the gallaxy. if death was sad then this universe would be filled with it. But how can something so beautiful be sad.
    perhaps there is something your not considering about the passing of time. Perhaps your family is bigger than you thought.

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  • hellostrangers
    12 years ago

    Time is relentless. It is also very strange. It is so complex that it can only be tackled philisophically, but even that is daunting, even to the great geniuses of history. There is nothing we can do about it though. Try to enjoy the ride.

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  • Nikoa
    13 years ago

    Zenji, I've been 'listening' to Pink Floyd for years and never noticed the content. Thanks for your comment; it was provoking.

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  • Tenorsax69er
    13 years ago

    Do you feel that you're not enjoying life enough? Maybe you need a career change that gives you more joy in what you do and maybe that will help you feel better. Like a "giving back" career? I hear ya though. I work in a retail store for 9 hrs a day stuck staring at walls fixing computers and all I want to do is go out camping or doing some sort of adventure. I feel trapped. lol maybe I need a career change ;)

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  • EqualOpportunityHater
    13 years ago

    Wow. I feel the same way sometimes. It sucks when you think about it.

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  • zenji
    13 years ago

    The sun is the same in a relative way
    But you're older
    Shorter of breath
    And one day closer to death.

    Every year is getting shorter...
    Never seem to find the time== Pink Floyd

    Yeah, we must learn to be "not precious" about ourselves, and just take what we can from life. Sometimes, Nostalgia kills.xxoo

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  • fgyu7
    13 years ago

    Life sucks. Please don't procreate. The ruling classes (the über-rich and the lying politicians) want you to procreate because they need ever more slaves and cannon fodder, but please, don't give them any.

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    • fgyu7
      13 years ago

      And I forgot to mention the various religious groups, they want you to breed too. They may be the worst of all, because they come on so strongly as if they care about you, but in fact they're only supporting the other two members of the inholy trinity, the rich and the powerful.

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  • penguin1208
    13 years ago

    I feel this way too :( So much. Especially because I feel like once my parents die I will have no guidance and no support and no one to watch over me. I especially worry about never having children or grand children and just being some sad alone old lady who misses her dead parents and dead relatives.

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  • [Old Memory]
    13 years ago

    I say it's completely normal; I'm exactly the same way actually. You should see me whenever anything is ending (ex. camp, summer, plays/performances, school, family get-togethers, etc.) if you think I'm kidding. Ninety nine percent of the time, I am sobbing as if the world is coming to an end. Honestly, it annoys my family/whoever I'm with so much but I can't help it haha. Normal.

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  • hotchickie81
    13 years ago

    Wow, we are very much alike. It saddens me how fast time flies. I hate seeing family members and pets, along with friends, get older. It's so sad. I've been like this since I was 6 years old. No joke! :(

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  • smartiepants
    13 years ago

    Everyone has those feelings occasionally, myself included, especially while you're
    growing up. It's completely normal, but I'm sure your parents would be willing to talk about it with you if you want to.

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