How do you deal with feelings of loneliness?

Participation in Senior Forums is one outlet, and a kind of connection. I hope you may find it helpful.

I've never heard it said before that everyone else has loneliness figured out.Those feelings come and go for most of us. If no one is around I can talk to or call when I feel lonesome, I get busy and think of something else.
 
This forum has helped me so much, so you are off to a good start.
To know these are real people, sharing thoughts, ideas, a bit of themselves and experiences helps to feel human connection.
Will it take the place of a human in your presence, sharing a lunch or a shopping spree? Not really but it's something to occupy
your mind with. You will find you are not alone in many things you are feeling. And we will find you are unique in ways you may not realize.
Relax, be yourself and just enjoy that you are wanted here.
 
I don't get lonely. I read a lot, and when I get tired of that, I do something else. Well, I do get lonely for my dog, who died last December 3, of old age. He had been my best friend for his entire life.

Now that I have a car, I am thinking about checking out the Senior Center, which is not in my comfort zone because I don't know anyone there. It is a very nice place - I went there with my mother once, about 7 years ago. I am uncomfortable about meeting new people in a place where I don't know anyone. Always have been. Once I know people, I am the life of the party.

I like volunteering. I love dogs so maybe at the animal shelter. The problem is that if a dog and I connect, I would be very upset that I can't bring it home. Same if all the dogs and I connect. Or maybe at a food bank, I've done that before, back when I had to go to one. Maybe at a hospital if I can make myself do it. I don't like hospitals.

So, there you have it. Go to a senior center, go to a church, volunteer somewhere you'd enjoy, or get a dog. Me? I'm too direct of a person to be going to a church. I'd have to find a rational one -- as opposed to ones that have some beliefs I am extremely opposed to.

Or, hey! Meet your neighbors. Bring them something like baked goods, introduce yourself. If you live in the South, you'll probably get invited in. If you feel weird vibes, make an excuse to get out of that. Most people are friendly and pretty nice. Very few serial killers compared to the size of the rest of the population.
 
I've lived alone for most of my 79 years on this planet. These days most of my time is spent alone. I don't have it figured out, and the intensity of my loneliness varies. Lately I am very lonely since my daughter is mad at me and hasn't texted in a week (she usually does almost daily.) So, no advice or conclusions, just what everyone else has said. This forum helps some. Nothing resolved, that's for sure.
 
I'm a very lonely person. I also push people away. Stupid. Bad when loneliness leads to depression. If it does, intervention is next step.
My DIL wanted to visit me yesterday. I fought against it, holding on to loneliness. She wouldn't let me. She came anyway, forcing me to eat Dunkin' munchkins and drink their coffee. Yum. Then she nagged & nagged me to go for a walk in the sunshine. She finally got her way.

How dare she interfere with my loneliness. Some nerve.
 

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