Each Black Friday feels like a cruel reminder of what I've lost. As the biggest shopping day of the year unfolds, I scroll through endless deals that promise joy, yet all I feel is emptiness. The WIRED team is tracking every discount and trend alive today, but amidst the chaos of consumerism, I find myself yearning for connection, for moments that can’t be bought. I remember the days spent wandering the aisles, laughter echoing, as we shared dreams over shopping carts. Now, it’s just me and the cold glow of a screen. Are these fleeting sales worth the loneliness that fills the void? Maybe it’s time to seek something more meaningful than a bargain. https://www.wired.com/live/black-friday-live-25/ #BlackFriday #Loneliness #EmotionalStruggles #Consumerism #FindingConnection