THE WAY WE STAY AT THE DOOR AFTER SAYING GOODBYE
There’s a small, often unnoticed moment that repeats itself across Nepali homes and gatherings: the goodbye is said, hugs exchanged or hands shaken, yet no one immediately steps away. Instead, people linger—feet planted near the doorway, bodies half-turned, voices softening but not quite fading. We stay at the threshold, suspended between departure and continuation. Why do we do this? Is it politeness? Hesitation? Or perhaps a quiet fear that once the door closes, the moment truly ends? In Nepali culture, hospitality is not just about welcoming—it’s about holding on, gently and carefully. The doorway becomes a symbolic space where transition happens slowly, where the bond between host and guest resists sudden severance. To step away quickly feels abrupt, even rude. Lingering is a way to honor the shared time, to show that the connection doesn’t snap shut with the closing door. There’s also hesitation. Saying goodbye isn’t always easy. Whether at a family gathering, a friend...