it feels so small but when a hijabi doesn't return my salam or smile i end up crying
assalamu alaikum. i’m feeling really lonely these days for a lot of reasons that are mostly out of my control. today i was out on the street and saw so many fellow hijabis among the shoppers - it honestly felt like the first time in months that i saw that many, and it stirred up a lot of emotion for me. i live in a mostly muslim city, but because of injuries i can’t make it to jummah. i’ve tried a bunch of times and i can’t explain how much it hurts me emotionally that i can’t go. so today i went out after a long time with a friend and i was excited to see sisters. many were with their families, may Allah bless them. but i guess i was a bit awkward because most didn’t smile back or return my salam, so i took that as a cue to leave them be. now it’s been about an hour and i can’t stop crying. i don’t think this is normal for me and it worries me. my life is already difficult, but honestly who’s life isn’t tough in some way? i’ve been trying to tell myself that during busy shopping times people are usually rushing, so it’s probably not personal. and being part of the same ummah doesn’t mean everyone will know or recognize each other, so i know logically i shouldn’t be so upset - but my feelings are still raw. does anyone have practical advice to help ease this pain? or some honest tough love to snap me out of it? i have an event in a few hours and my eyes are all red and swollen and i’m really stressed about it 😭😭😭 jazakum Allah khair for any tips or duas.