>> Why We Have This Emotion
Loneliness signals that we don't have the social support that we need. For the sake of our own wellbeing, it pushes us to repair relationships, bond with others, and join or rejoin groups.
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Send one honest text to a friend
- Schedule a brief call with a friend
- Join a group around shared interests
- Work or read in a public place
- Do a small kindness for someone
- Plan one social activity for this week
- Get involved in classes or sports
Bad Ideas
- Compare your life to social media
- Treat neutral behavior as rejection
- Cling to unhealthy relationships
- Sleep to avoid waking loneliness
- Work to avoid emotional discomfort
- Use alcohol to escape feelings
- Stalk friends without reaching out