I talk to the security camera when I come home

Dear Delyara, I installed a doorbell camera after a break-in. Now, when I come home, I speak to it. “Long day.” “It’s freezing.” “Forgot milk again.” I know nobody is listening. The recordings go to my phone. Sometimes, on weekends, I watch them back just to hear another voice in the hallway, even though the voice is mine. I have lived alone since my divorce nine years ago. My children are grown. I work remotely. There are days when the first spoken words I hear are navigation instructions from my phone. Friends tell me I should join clubs or date. I have tried. Loneliness does not always make me want people. Sometimes it makes people feel exhausting because I have gone too long without practicing being around them. Tonight, I told the camera, “I’m home,” then caught myself waiting half a second as if something inside the house might answer.