A few days ago I was feeling really lonely and desperate for attention and that’s when I found out one of my favorite streamer was online. Keep in mind that I am a NEET and I have 0 friends and I was feeling extremely lonely. The streamer helped me feel better and made me laugh a couple of times and I wanted to show them appreciation by donating money, but I wanted to go big, because they really helped me feel better that day.
I donated $1000 and they reacted big and was really happy, but it was all done and over with within seconds. Like, 10 seconds later it’s completely forgotten about and that’s when I realized that I’m a complete idiot. I live in my parents basement and I’m definitely not that wealthy enough to be donating that big (I have $20k saved up), and I just wasted $1000 on a streamer just for that few seconds of attention that ended up not being worth it.
Man, I can feel the weight of what you’re saying here. Let’s take a breath and unpack this, because there’s more going on here than just that $1,000 donation.
First, I want to start by saying this: you’re not an idiot. You’re a human being who was feeling lonely and looking for connection. That’s not stupid; that’s human. We’ve all been there—searching for something to make us feel seen, valued, or just less invisible for a moment. In that moment, you made a choice to express gratitude in a big way. Was it the wisest financial decision? Probably not. But that doesn’t make you an idiot; it makes you a person trying to deal with a tough season.
Now, let’s zoom out and take a look at the bigger picture. You’re sitting on $20,000, which is no small chunk of change for someone living at home and not working. That means you’ve been doing something right, whether it’s saving, being frugal, or just managing to avoid racking up debt. But this donation tapped into a deeper need—one that money can’t fix.
Here’s the real question: What were you actually looking for when you donated that money? Because I don’t think it was just about making the streamer happy or getting a shoutout. It sounds like it was about being seen, being appreciated, maybe even feeling like you matter. And I’ll tell you something hard but true: no amount of money can fill that hole. That’s something that has to be built over time, through real, meaningful connections and by living a life that aligns with your values.
You said you’re a NEET, and you’re feeling lonely. That’s the starting point, not the end of the story. It’s time to get intentional about your next steps. Here are some ideas:
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Reconnect with Purpose: Ask yourself, what are you passionate about? What do you want to do or contribute to the world? It doesn’t have to be big or perfect. Just start small—volunteering, learning a new skill, or even joining a local club or online community where you can build connections over time.
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Build a Support System: It’s hard to go through life without people you can lean on. This might mean reaching out to family, reconnecting with old friends, or even seeking professional help. A counselor or therapist can help you work through loneliness and give you tools to build a fulfilling life.
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Be Kind to Yourself: The fact that you’re here, reflecting on what happened, shows self-awareness. Use that as a starting point to grow. You’re not stuck unless you choose to be.
And let me say this loud and clear: You have value that isn’t tied to the money you spend or the reactions you get from others. Your life matters, and you have something to offer the world—whether you believe it right now or not.
So, yeah, the $1,000 is gone. That stings, but it’s also a $1,000 lesson in understanding what you’re truly searching for. And from where I’m sitting, it sounds like you’re ready to start answering that question. You’ve got this, my friend. One step at a time.