Conversely, I don’t imagine nihilistic choices ever feel particularly good or right.

Exactly correct. I was spiraling in depression about the hopelessness of it all until I decided to actually do something myself.

And then I realized that feeling of trying was at least part of what I was missing all along.

So I boycott, I protest, I volunteer, and dare to be vulnerable and admit I care — not in an ironic or smug way but actually care. And it feels great, especially these days when it feels like many others are beginning to as well.