You are not the only one to feel this way
Loneliness is a universal issue and it’s something that comes up time and time again in my conversations with people. Some of us are lonely because we don’t have any support system, be it friends or family. Some of us are lonely because we have to live or work away from that support. Some of us appear to be the “life and soul of the party” but are hiding an inner loneliness and hurt from the past. There are so many different forms of loneliness and it’s important for you to know that you are not alone.
Here are some of my tips for dealing with that feeling of loneliness –
1. First of all remember that you are not the only one to feel this way.
2. Don’t expect to find your answer in a sexual relationship. Many people who are lonely move from one short relationship to another, wanting to find closeness and meaning. Inevitably the people you find in these relationships will not offer you anything more than sex. You are worth more than this!
3. Do you have an interest or hobby? Find a group or society with this interest and join it – I know it’s scary, but you’ll find a whole group of people with similar interests who are, just maybe, feeling the same way as you!
4. It can be so easy to live our lives through the imaginary world of films, books and television. Everyone likes a bit of escapism but remember it’s not real! In most cases television and film characters don’t act or talk like real people! It is an imaginary world, very different from the real one. Live in the real world.
5. Even in a stable relationship or marriage, you still should not totally rely on your partner for all of your emotional needs. Make sure you also have a good network of friends who can give you support.
6. To be wanted and needed can also help combat our feelings of loneliness. What can you do to help others? Is there a voluntary job you could do? In helping other people, we find friends and lose that sense of loneliness.