Introduction

Sometimes life feels like a badly written script, and this story is proof of that. What started as a hopeful attempt to make new social connections ended in confusion, shock, and a lingering question: was this man even real, or just a placeholder in my social matrix?

The Story

Feeling lonely, I reached out to Sanama, an organization that visits “the sick and elderly.” Two kind women, L60 and V60 from my town, came by and suggested I connect with a man named Nico Shis who lived further in my street.

It struck me as odd: my best friend is also named Nico, and now suddenly there was another Nico in my small social circle. Still, I sent him a friend request on Facebook. He accepted and invited me to his home the next day. He said he played guitar, and I told him I had FL Studio with GuitarRig, maybe we could make music together. My friend Nico was welcome to join.

Things got strange quickly. He told me he had no drinks at home because he was single. I offered to bring coffee, sugar, and milk. On Facebook, his entire page was filled with posts about U2, nothing else.

When we arrived, an old man opened the door who looked nothing like his Facebook photos. We introduced ourselves politely. His first words were: “What are you even doing here?” Shocked, I explained that L60 from Sanama had suggested we meet. He didn’t seem to know who she was, then vaguely said “oh yes”.

We left confused. Later, I noticed he hadn’t actually accepted my friend request, yet he was messaging me on Messenger. I blocked him. He then called me on my phone, asking again what I wanted. I explained I had hoped to make music together, but his behavior at the door wasn’t okay. Instead of apologizing, he just said “ok” and hung up.

What was going on here? Was he a real person, or some kind of NPC-placeholder in my social life?

Four Explanations

🔮 Metaphysical

From a metaphysical perspective, this was synchronicity,the repetition of the name Nico and the bizarre wordplay with “Shis/Shid” (which I associated with “shit”, of course). The universe might have been highlighting themes of loneliness, projection, and self-reflection. The mismatch between expectation and reality could be seen as a mirror of my own fears about connection.

🌱 Spiritual

Spiritually, this was a soul lesson. Sanama acted as a catalyst, pushing me toward new connections. Nico Shis was a “false door”, a test of discernment. His online persona (U2 fan, inviting) versus his real-life behavior (confused, rejecting) symbolized the duality of human experience. My intuition, the “shit” Association, may have been a warning. My friend Nico’s shock shows he was meant to witness this lesson too, strengthening our bond.

🕶️ Matrix

Through the lens of the simulation hypothesis, this was a glitch. His Facebook page looked algorithmic, his appearance didn’t match his photos, and he messaged me without accepting my request, classic inconsistencies in the “code.” He could have been an NPC, a placeholder designed to test my reactions and keep me in a loop of frustration. My friend Nico, however, is a “real player” in my simulation, sharing the awakening moment with me.

🧠 Psychological

Psychologically, this was cognitive dissonance. My loneliness made me eager for connection, but reality clashed with my expectations. The repeated name triggered projection: I unconsciously linked this stranger to my trusted friend. His odd behavior could be explained by social awkwardness, forgetfulness, or even deceptive online presentation. Blocking him was a healthy boundary. For my friend Nico, the shock reflected his own discomfort with social unpredictability.

Reflection

So, was he an NPC? A spiritual test? A glitch in the matrix? Or simply a socially awkward man with issues? Maybe all of the above, depending on the lens you choose.

What matters is the lesson:

• Always do a video call before meeting someone new.
• Watch for red flags like inconsistent profiles or vague communication.
• Stay open to connection, but protect your boundaries.

Even failed encounters can make us stronger. They remind us that authenticity matters more than appearances.

This strange episode left me puzzled, but also more resilient. It showed me how fragile modern social interactions can be, and how easily expectation collides with reality.

Have you ever experienced a “social glitch”? Share your story in the comments.