The Joy of Waiting

IYKYK. For those of us born in a certain generation, you can almost hear the sound the moment you see this picture. That familiar tone filled us with excitement as we waited to connect to a new, thrilling world—the internet.

I would even dare say that we were a relatively patient generation. We could wait, and we were almost never late.

But then came the era of instant gratification, when we began to crave fast results. That is when impatience slowly took root. Soon we realised that:

- Fast food services aren’t always fast.

- Instant noodles aren’t truly instant.

- We binge-watch shows on our digital boxes because we cannot wait for the next episode.

- Drivers express their frustration with a honk the instant the traffic light turns green.

Nowadays, with mobile devices in almost everyone’s pocket, it is easy to distract ourselves while waiting.

Yet waiting is subjective. It can be a joyful anticipation or an agonising pause—especially when in pain or awaiting a moment of truth.

So, what do you do when impatience creeps in? One lesson I learned during a visit to the Emergency Department as a patient: if I can wait, my case isn’t critical. Perhaps the world has simply grown more short-tempered over time.

While waiting, if you are with someone, instead of burying yourself in your phone, strike up a conversation. If you are alone, read a book, observe your surroundings, or reflect quietly. In queues, try putting yourself in the shoes of the person serving you.

Whatever happened to the simple joy of waiting? It is an art worth reclaiming.