I also find it difficult to talk to anyone outside of Ukraine even if they are Ukrainians. There is that bond that grows between all of us who have stayed here throughout the war. I really can't put my finger on why. Early in the war, I was doing volunteer projects coordinated by Ukrainians who escaped to exotic and not-so-exotic locales and I just couldn't take them seriously anymore. Our reality is different because we are here and they are not. Of course, my fellow Americans and everyone else outside Ukraine is even more clueless. Now, I am trying to go back to my Orthodox faith and turning to God more. It seems to be helping. Slava Ukraina!