Perhaps it’s this never-ending existential crisis I’ve been having since hitting my mid fifties. A friend I hadn’t seen in a while asked me to come to a get-together for his lady’s birthday today. She’s younger and so was the majority of the crowd. I felt good and sociable, but I just felt invisible. Being the host, my buddy was busy, understandably. I really tried to connect and be my charming self, but it was like I couldn’t get any traction. I’ve never felt so alone and there were about 50 people there. It’s like the art of conversation is dead. I really tried to socialize, but it just seemed like people were so caught up in themselves that they no longer make an effort. Total bummer, as we used to say. Can someone please help me understand this experience?