SLC-S31/W1-“Creative Interpretation| The Word (Invisible)”

I was an introvert, and that was where it all began. I find it hard to open up in friendship unless I'm being approached. It got worse when I went out with a group of friends to a sit-out and decided to have fun there. It was on a Saturday, and we were about 10 at the table. I actually knew most of them and didn't know some.

Everybody was just flowing with themselves except me. Nobody cared to even start a conversation with me. It got to a point drinks were shared and I was skipped. I just felt I wasn't wanted there; I wasn't seen. Everyone was busy discussing, unaware that I even joined them in this. I tried starting a conversation but no one was interested in listening to me.

I felt like a problem. All these people are rich and influential. They wore good clothes; maybe that's why they felt there was no one sitting in my seat. Even when I stood up and left, no one noticed to call me back. Ever since then, I have vowed never to go out with anyone or socialise. I was invisible

In my story, I'm not talking about something you can't see, which may be invisible, but you're feeling it. I'm talking about someone who's invisible but can be seen. 'Invisible' in this context means three things. It means when people pretend not to see you or to even acknowledge that you exist. It also means when people feel that the only people who are allowed to be seen are those who are high-class.

It's the feeling of being overlooked by a person or group of persons. The people involved may not actually realise they overlooked your presence. You'll be the one to feel and face it. Lastly, it means when people don't value your presence. They just feel you shouldn't be there, and they show with their body language that they can't see you, they don't know you, and they don't even want to associate with you or know you.

You're just a nobody in their midst. You don't exist and you have no right to exist. They don't value the fact that you exist, and preferential treatment is usually seen in this case where one is being sidelined. These are a few case studies.

• I'm just so busy discussing with my clients with my wife by my side. We discuss at length, communicate, laugh and exchange pleasantries, but no one cared to even say Hi to my wife. I'm the subject. I also failed to introduce my wife and make her visible.

There are a lot of examples, though, and sad to say, this happens every day and in real life.

If I wanted to describe the emotions connected to being a seemingly invisible figure, it would be one that can send you to a depressed state. That feeling of not being seen whereas others are, especially your friends, or that feeling when you're with people, no one talks to you or wants your idea, but you're still following them like a pest – it's the worst feeling that can happen to someone. You'll have this feeling of worthlessness and may even cry when no one is watching you or when you're alone. You'll feel extremely sad and your mouth locked till you leave that place.

It would be a red colour which stands for danger. No introvert should be allowed to go through this. It can break them. It's red because the feeling of invisibility can lead to self-guilt and can even affect one's mental and physical health. It can lead to depression and even death. That's why the red colour comes across as danger. Introverts take things personally. This is where the lesson comes in.

Conclusively, whenever you're feeling invisible, remember that you're the best version of yourself. Don't give in to self mockery

I invite @ukpono, @udyliciouz and @suboohi