People feel lonely for a number of reasons, including simple social awkwardness and intentional isolation. Everyone experiences loneliness. Luckily, though, there are a number of ways to overcome it.

 

Realize that we all get lonely.

It doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. People are particularly prone to loneliness during major life transitions, especially ones made for the better. If you’re changing in ways such as exploring new alternatives and paths for yourself, you’re bound to get a little lonely as you look for people who share your new interests and thoughts.

 

Differentiate between loneliness and solitude.

Loneliness is when you are unhappy to be alone. Solitude is when you are happy to be alone. You’re not in solitude when you want to be with people. There are people out there who you can relate to and become close with.

 

Join an online community.

Sometimes it can help. Share your thoughts and experiences, or ask questions to those who are going through similar situations. Online forums often allow you to help others while being helped yourself. Also check out the free Phone Buddies peer counseling community.

• Remember to be safe when online. Not everyone is who they say they are and predators feed off loneliness.

 

Call or get together with the people you know.

Even if they aren’t who you want to be with right now, human contact makes establishing more contact easier. This includes your mother and the guy at the deli counter.

• Do more listening than talking. Listening and drawing people out will deepen your contacts more than just talking endlessly about yourself.
• Do not exhaust your existing connections; these are all you have at the moment.

 

Get involved in activities.

Join a sports league or take a class. Volunteer within your community. If you are very shy, find a group for social anxiety, even if it has to be online. Look on places like Craigslist or local news websites for activities in your area.

• Don’t attend functions with the sole idea of making friends or meeting people. Try to go with no expectations whatsoever and to enjoy yourself regardless of what happens. Look for activities that interest you and that also involve groups of people like book clubs, church groups, political campaigns, concerts and art exhibitions

 

Challenge yourself to take the initiative in social relationships.

Don’t wait for people to approach you — you approach people. Ask the person if they want to chat or get a coffee. You must always show interest in other people before they will show interest in you, if they ever do.

• Remember that you are trying to make a place for yourself in another person’s life, and be considerate. Do not think that just showing up will win you instant friends. It can be a long, painstaking process and most people you meet already have their own friends and lives.

 

Spend time with your family.

Even if you don’t have a great history with a family member, chances are they will take you up on an invitation. You can share friends and meet new people together. This will help diminish that awkward feeling of being alone in public.

 

Consider getting a pet.

If you’re truly struggling without companionship, consider adopting a dog or cat from your local animal shelter. Pets have been domestic companions for centuries for a reason, and winning the trust and affection of an animal can be a deeply rewarding experience.

• Be a responsible pet owner. Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered, and only commit to bringing a pet into your life if you’re prepared to handle the daily tasks of caring for it.

 

If you aren’t already, start exercising; consider joining a gym.

This is a good time in your life to work on self-improvement.

 

Learn to be happy with yourself.

When you like/love who you are, it shows. People like to be around those who are upbeat and confident.

 

Love yourself and pamper yourself.

Go to a spa or a cosmetologist to have your hair done.