Comment by sandspar

Having social power is like owning a gun. Yes it's nice to have it and not use it. But there's often a temptation to use it. And if you use it incorrectly then someone can get hurt.

You spend years honing your skill with a weapon and then you stop using it.

The hard part is feeling like your weapon isn't being used. But you need to accept that disuse can be good. Otherwise you end up hurting people.

Basically, don't treat people like toys.

The author's next step will probably be to find places where he can go at full speed. Perhaps grief counseling, the clergy, hospice visits, or something along those lines.