{"id":36385,"date":"2026-03-15T10:45:35","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T02:45:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=36385"},"modified":"2026-03-15T10:45:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T02:45:35","slug":"antisocial-or-self-contained-how-jomo-or-the-joy-of-missing-out-can-cut-both-ways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=36385","title":{"rendered":"Antisocial or self-contained? How JOMO or the ‘joy of missing out’ can cut both ways"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

ENJOYING JOMO WITHOUT LOSING CONNECTION\u00a0<\/h2>\n

A main concern about JOMO is how it might affect one’s relationships, especially in workplaces, families or social circles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ms Seow acknowledged that becoming more selective about her time has led to a smaller social circle and fewer networking opportunities. “But I\u2019m happier because I value quality over quantity now,” she said.<\/p>\n

While Mr Tay feels guilt at times for turning down invitations or cancelling on plans, he has made peace with it. “One can always try to make new plans as long as both parties want to commit to it,” he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mr Heng, too, has missed out on both personal and professional opportunities due to JOMO. However, he considers it to be a “fair exchange in value” to be able to have more in-person interactions with old friends and extra time to volunteer.<\/p>\n

To maintain healthy connections while practising JOMO, Ms Mundae said clarity and context are key when saying no.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“It’s important to share a context for excusing yourself from commitments and how that time allows you to be more effective and available for others when they need it,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dr Kang added that boundaries are easier to assert when they are framed around capacity, priorities or effectiveness and when calm, neutral language is used.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In work settings, this would sound something like: “To do this well, I\u2019ll need\u2026”<\/p>\n

In family or social contexts, grounding boundaries in care and sustainability can be helpful, <\/strong>by using phrases such as: “I want to be present, and I also need\u2026”.<\/p>\n

To ensure JOMO remains restorative rather than avoidant, Dr Kang suggested checking in regularly with oneself with these three questions:<\/p>\n