Should We Fear A Lonely Life? | The Age of Loneliness

[Fyrefox]

As someone both introverted and with a measure of social phobia thrown in, I‘d been in training for the isolation of the pandemic all of my life. “Surreal,” I thought, “but I LIKE it!” The isolation, that is, not the disease. I’m one of those people who would much rather watch a movie alone than go to a party. The worst thing about being a loner are those well-intentioned but misguided extroverted people who see you as needing to be changed, converted, or “healed.”

 

[packleader]

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/loneliness-officially-threat-health-3-163100275.html

Loneliness Is Officially a Threat to Our Health—Here Are 3 Simple Ways to Stay Connected​

Nurture your existing relationships.​

Think of being socially active as you would think about being physically active—you can't expect to go to the gym once and be in great shape. Sustained, regular activity over time—activity that is enjoyable and realistic for you—is the key. Similarly, our relationships take time and regular contact to develop fully. As with exercise, think small at first to build your connection muscle: try mini acts of love; brief, but thoughtful text messages; genuine check-ins; being fully present and engaged when together.

Join a group that aligns with your interests.​

Many groups provide opportunities to interact with people who are different from you. You get to engage with people of different views, backgrounds, and perspectives than your own, even when you share a common interest, goal, or value that led you to the group. This reduces the “us versus them” mentality and increases willingness to trust.

Serve and help other people.​

Whether you volunteer formally or practice doing small acts of kindness in day-to-day life, research shows that when you help others, you help yourself in return. It's hard to ask people for help, but if you help others, it's a way to break down some of those barriers and increase feelings of belonging.

 

[davey]

@SeniorBen. Did you write that? Or are quoting another author? If it is you, it is very good.

sorry JC rather tardy of me been feeling very lonely lately! - no it is my own quote as an amateur poet words jumble together quickly and can form useful phrases! - my son had been down south for a few weeks and I don't see him much anyway but talk weekly. he only lives 2 hrs away but has a complex family to nurture who may set the house on fire sometimes or blow it up with calor gas!! - still he comes when he can. So we had a great two day experience with him cooking and me chatting and then we watched the coronation and then fell asleep. But once he had left I realized how much I was coping with 'being alone' less and less - so there are no guarantees in my book that once mastered it will prevail? i am naturally gregarious and a joker and like bouncing ideas of others etc. so yea it is getting to me know but I still have the dog who is a companion but maybe doesn't understand my moods??

 

[katlupe]

I felt more alone living at my house with my husband and my son than I do now. Here I live alone with a pet and some days I don't see another person at all (except out the window). Being in an apartment building I have people around me and can interact whenever I choose. Now my son is down the street and comes here almost daily but just for a few minutes. I am always busy and don't always welcome interruptions but I realize that others may be the lonely one so I make time for a visit. I am happy with my online social interactions.

 

[Jackie23]

As someone both introverted and with a measure of social phobia thrown in, I‘d been in training for the isolation of the pandemic all of my life. “Surreal,” I thought, “but I LIKE it!” The isolation, that is, not the disease. I’m one of those people who would much rather watch a movie alone than go to a party. The worst thing about being a loner are those well-intentioned but misguided extroverted people who see you as needing to be changed, converted, or “healed.”

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Yes, I identify with this.....don't fear being lonely at all.