Feeling Lonely? How to Build Connection and Belonging |
Loneliness is a struggle for many of us. We’re all so busy that making time to socialize and build relationships can feel hard. Many of us don’t have a sense of community or even know our neighbors the way our grandparents did. We’re each doing our own thing in separate homes and cars, and technology makes it possible to go days or even weeks without real human interaction. And some still haven’t returned to the in-person work or social gatherings they had before COVID.
In this article, we’ll look at what loneliness is, why it hurts so much, and the different forms it can take. You’ll also find simple, practical steps to help you feel more connected to yourself and others.
Loneliness is the painful feeling of being separate, different, or not belonging. It isn’t the same as being alone; many people enjoy solitude and find it restorative. And it’s not uncommon to feel lonely when you’re surrounded by people. Loneliness is about disconnection—wanting to connect, but not being able to.
We can feel lonely for a variety of reasons. Some common forms include:
Loneliness is painful because we all want to connect with others. We want to be known and accepted, to be part of a community. Connection is a basic human need and is necessary for good physical and mental health. This is why solitary confinement is one of the worst punishments that can be inflicted on prisoners.
Loneliness also hurts because we tend to interpret it as a sign that we’re defective and at fault. You........