Highlights Feeling lonely when single isn’t just about missing a person. It’s about missing emotional intimacy, daily companionship, and feeling known. Society’s couple-centric focus makes it worse. Push yourself to do activities you used to love, even when you don’t feel like it. Give yourself at least two weeks of showing up before deciding it’s not working. Invest in friendships with the same energy you’d put into a romantic relationship. Deep connections require vulnerability and authentic sharing with people you trust. Being single gives you complete control over your time, freedom to pursue goals without compromise, and space for self-discovery you can’t get when coupled. Reconnect with who you are outside a relationship, then channel that energy into one meaningful goal that genuinely excites you—not what you think you “should” do. I entered my first real relationship in the seventh grade (I know—young) and stayed in this relationship until my freshman year of college. I’ll do the math for you: This relationship took up roughly six years of my life. In other words, at the age of 18, I’d spent one third of my entire existence with a partner. As you can probably imagine, this had some tough implications on my life moving forward without him. Most notably, I didn’t really know how to function as a single person. When you’re with someone for that long, you can forget how to live alone. Crippling feelings of loneliness creep in fast. I struggled with this on and off for about four years. Sometimes I still sense them lurking in the balance, but now I know how to resolve them—and those skills have made me more confident in all my relationships, not just romantic ones. I know I’m not the only person who’s dealt with this. Feeling lonely when single is one of the most common struggles people face after a relationship ends or during extended singlehood. To help you move through it, we spoke with mental health experts about what actually works to overcome loneliness and build a fulfilling life on your own terms. Why do you feel lonely without a partner? Before we dive into solutions, it helps to understand what’s actually driving this feeling. Loneliness when you’re single isn’t just about missing a person, but it’s about missing what they represented. Society puts enormous pressure on people to be coupled up. Movies, music, cultural narratives, even everyday activities like grocery shopping and going out to dinner can feel designed for pairs. When you’re single, you might feel like you’re the only one navigating the world alone (even though you’re not). Beyond social pressure, romantic relationships provide something friends and family often can’t: a specific kind of emotional intimacy, physical affection, daily companionship, and the sense that someone knows your complete story. Research shows that this type of connection activates reward centers in the brain and helps regulate stress. It’s completely normal to miss it and feel the absence acutely. If most people in your social circle are partnered, being single can compound these feelings. Many social activities and structures unintentionally center couples, which can leave single people feeling like outsiders, regardless of how fulfilling your friendships are. RELATED: Why does no one like me romantically? A therapist explains The good news? Understanding where your loneliness comes from is the first step to addressing it. The strategies below will help you manage both the immediate discomfort and the deeper patterns keeping you stuck. 8 tips to stop feeling lonely when you’re single If you’ve been single for a while or just ended a relationship, feeling lonely is completely normal. You’ve lost a major source of emotional support, physical affection, and daily companionship. The energy you used to pour into another person suddenly has nowhere to go. You can redirect that energy into building a life that feels full and meaningful on its own. Here’s how. 1. Look at your relationship history to understand what you’re really missing. Before you can move forward, it helps to understand what’s driving your loneliness. Is it the loss of a specific person, or is it a deeper pattern? Karen Koenig, a licensed clinical social worker, suggests looking back at past relationships. “If loneliness is of the deeper, existential kind, it often makes a person feel not only unloved but unlovable and longing for belonging. “In this case, they’ll need to reflect on their early attachments,” she explains. “Were they secure or insecure? Did they cause anxiety or a sense of trust and intimacy? If another person is the only thing that fills the void inside them, they’ll need to learn how to be enough for themselves, or they will never feel secure because they’ll always be afraid of losing someone.” RELATED: A practical guide to fixing anxious attachment style 2. Force yourself to do things you used to love, even when you don’t want to. One of the simplest (but hardest) things you can do is spend time on activities you genuinely enjoy—even when you’re not in the mood. “Engage in activities you know you find enjoyable or rewarding, even if you don’t feel like doing those things at the moment,” says Dominique Talley, a mental health therapist and wellness blogger. Research shows that social isolation and lack of fulfillment both contribute to loneliness and depression. The catch? When you’re lonely, everything feels harder, and it’s easy to turn down invitations or skip activities that used to bring you joy. “Think of the activities and people that have brought you joy in the past, and make an effort to include more of those in your life,” Talley says. “It may be difficult at first to muster any excitement, but if you can push yourself to engage anyway, you’ll often find yourself enjoying them like you used to.” Be specific: If you loved painting, set up your easel this weekend. If running used to clear your head, sign up for a 5K. Give yourself at least two weeks of consistently showing up before you decide it’s not working. 3. Invest in your friendships like you would a relationship. When you’re fixated on not having a partner, it’s easy to overlook the connections you do have. Your friendships can provide deep fulfillment—if you’re willing to show up for them differently. “Humans need connection, and in order to connect, we have to practice being vulnerable and sharing our real selves with those we can trust,” Julie Bjelland, a licensed marriage and family therapist, explains. “Start building closer friendships and spending time with others who enjoy some of the same things you do. Having a balance of one or two deep social connections alongside more surface-level friendships is an important aspect of social wellness.” 4. Consider getting a pet for companionship and purpose. Getting a pet is a big decision—it’s not something to rush into. But if you’re in a stable position with time and resources to care for an animal, it can genuinely help. Getting a pet can give a sense of purpose and help you feel less isolated when you’re single. “Inviting a living creature into your home (particularly a cat or dog) can make a big difference in your daily life and your mood, says health and wellness expert Caleb Backe. “It’s a companion to play with, talk to, and take care of, and can even help you meet other pet owners too!” A dog, for example, may prompt you to take more walks and spend more time outdoors. A pet can also integrate you into more communities, such as dog parks and animal daycares. A loyal companion who is available for unconditional love can help combat feelings of loneliness and provide you with purpose—they need you to care for them! You might even consider getting an emotional support animal (ESA), which legally must be prescribed by a mental health professional, according to the American Kennel Club. 5. Actively explore what’s good about being single right now. While being single may feel like a negative at first, there are plenty of plus-sides. Put some effort into exploring all the good that comes with being single. “There are many advantages to being single,” Backe says. “Explore them! Develop a skill, take on a hobby, enhance your mind. The possibilities are endless.” When you’re single, your time is your own, and you can shape your life around your own goals and priorities. Get to know yourself better and become the person you want to be. When the next relationship opportunity comes along, whether that’s a new friend or a romantic partner, you’ll be better equipped to build healthy bonds based on mutual understanding. Advantages of being single What you might miss about partnership Complete control over your time and schedule Built-in companionship for daily activities Freedom to pursue goals without compromise Someone who knows your full history Space for deep self-discovery and growth Emotional intimacy and physical affection Financial independence and decision-making Shared responsibilities and cost-splitting Full autonomy in major life decisions Having someone in your corner consistently 6. Practice mindfulness to figure out who you are without a partner. Feeling lonely when single can sometimes mean you’ve lost your sense of self. If you were partnered for a long time, your identity may have become intertwined with your ex’s. It’s hard to untangle that and figure out who you are on your own. Research shows that practicing mindfulness and meditation can foster better self-awareness and emotional regulation while lowering stress and anxiety. These practices help you focus on the present moment and create space to reflect on who you actually are and how you function when you’re not performing for someone else. Start small: Try a five-minute guided meditation using an app like Calm or Headspace, or simply sit quietly and notice your thoughts without judgment. The goal isn’t to “fix” yourself—it’s to get reacquainted with yourself. 7. Use your newfound time to work toward something you actually care about. When you’re single, you suddenly have time and mental space that used to go toward a relationship. Take advantage of it. Channel your energy into something productive: learning to cook, advancing your career, picking up a hobby like painting or woodworking. Pick one goal that genuinely excites you—not something you think you “should” do. Give yourself a specific timeline (learn basic Italian in three months, run a 10K by summer) and break it into small steps you can start this week. 8. Make a list of what you’d do if nothing held you back. This exercise from Susan Shumsky, an award-winning author of 14 self-help books, can help you clarify what actually matters to you—not what you think you’re supposed to want. “In order to overcome loneliness, begin by doing what I call the ‘Unlimited Thinking Exercise,'” Shumsky says. Here’s how it works: Grab a piece of paper and pen. Spend 15 minutes writing down what you’d do with your life if you had unlimited time, money, energy, and support. Focus on how you’d spend your days—not what you’d buy, but what activities, projects, or passions would fill your time. Read it over when you’re done. “This list is your roadmap,” Shumsky says. “Pick one goal from it and take one small step toward it this week.” Remember: If you’re feeling lonely, these sensations won’t last forever. If you’re able to explore the positives of being alone and focusing on yourself, you’ll find ways to feel fulfilled and supported on your own, and your next relationship will be even more fulfilling. The bottom line It’s completely normal to struggle with loneliness when you’re single. The first step is recognizing that fulfillment and happiness can come from within—you don’t need another person to feel whole. Try reflecting on past relationship patterns, engaging in activities that genuinely bring you joy, deepening your friendships, and reframing your single status as an opportunity rather than a problem. With intention and practice, you can transform feelings of loneliness into opportunities for self-discovery and growth. If you’re struggling and these strategies aren’t helping, consider working with a mental health professional who can help you navigate this transition.
12 min read What is loneliness? Common causes of loneliness and how to heal from it Hannah DeWitt 3 min read If you’re feeling lonely after a breakup, fill that empty void with healthy activities and learn to prioritize yourself Jacob Kountz 9 min read Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation: 7 Counseling Tips Anthony Centore, PhD 3 min read Do you feel lonely after moving to a new city? Here’s how you can fight back against those feelings Taylor Bennett 3 min read Spend time alone without feeling lonely: A simple, beneficial self-care strategy Taylor Bennett 3 min read Feelings of loneliness are normal, but you can learn to enjoy your solitude instead and turn your time alone into a positive experience Taylor Bennett 3 min read How to cure loneliness: Is spending time alone an unexpected remedy? Taylor Bennett 3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help. Find a provider ... Award-winning online & in-person therapy, covered by insurance. Call us to book Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session. Call (833) 966-4233 Book online Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps. Find a provider
3 min read If you’re feeling lonely after a breakup, fill that empty void with healthy activities and learn to prioritize yourself Jacob Kountz 9 min read Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation: 7 Counseling Tips Anthony Centore, PhD 3 min read Do you feel lonely after moving to a new city? Here’s how you can fight back against those feelings Taylor Bennett 3 min read Spend time alone without feeling lonely: A simple, beneficial self-care strategy Taylor Bennett 3 min read Feelings of loneliness are normal, but you can learn to enjoy your solitude instead and turn your time alone into a positive experience Taylor Bennett 3 min read How to cure loneliness: Is spending time alone an unexpected remedy? Taylor Bennett 3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help. Find a provider ... Award-winning online & in-person therapy, covered by insurance. Call us to book Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session. Call (833) 966-4233 Book online Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps. Find a provider
9 min read Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation: 7 Counseling Tips Anthony Centore, PhD 3 min read Do you feel lonely after moving to a new city? Here’s how you can fight back against those feelings Taylor Bennett 3 min read Spend time alone without feeling lonely: A simple, beneficial self-care strategy Taylor Bennett 3 min read Feelings of loneliness are normal, but you can learn to enjoy your solitude instead and turn your time alone into a positive experience Taylor Bennett 3 min read How to cure loneliness: Is spending time alone an unexpected remedy? Taylor Bennett 3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help. Find a provider ... Award-winning online & in-person therapy, covered by insurance. Call us to book Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session. Call (833) 966-4233 Book online Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps. Find a provider
3 min read Do you feel lonely after moving to a new city? Here’s how you can fight back against those feelings Taylor Bennett 3 min read Spend time alone without feeling lonely: A simple, beneficial self-care strategy Taylor Bennett 3 min read Feelings of loneliness are normal, but you can learn to enjoy your solitude instead and turn your time alone into a positive experience Taylor Bennett 3 min read How to cure loneliness: Is spending time alone an unexpected remedy? Taylor Bennett 3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help. Find a provider ... Award-winning online & in-person therapy, covered by insurance. Call us to book Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session. Call (833) 966-4233 Book online Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps. Find a provider
3 min read Spend time alone without feeling lonely: A simple, beneficial self-care strategy Taylor Bennett 3 min read Feelings of loneliness are normal, but you can learn to enjoy your solitude instead and turn your time alone into a positive experience Taylor Bennett 3 min read How to cure loneliness: Is spending time alone an unexpected remedy? Taylor Bennett 3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help. Find a provider ... Award-winning online & in-person therapy, covered by insurance. Call us to book Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session. Call (833) 966-4233 Book online Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps. Find a provider
3 min read Feelings of loneliness are normal, but you can learn to enjoy your solitude instead and turn your time alone into a positive experience Taylor Bennett 3 min read How to cure loneliness: Is spending time alone an unexpected remedy? Taylor Bennett 3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help. Find a provider ... Award-winning online & in-person therapy, covered by insurance. Call us to book Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session. Call (833) 966-4233 Book online Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps. Find a provider
3 min read How to cure loneliness: Is spending time alone an unexpected remedy? Taylor Bennett 3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help.
3 min read Welcome spontaneity, challenge feelings of loneliness and isolation Taylor Bennett 3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby Disclaimer The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern. If you’re in a crisis, do not use this site. Please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or use these resources to get immediate help.
3 min read Soothe your lonely feelings with acceptance and positivity Taylor Bennett 2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby
2 min read 3 Habits That Are Making You Lonely Jon Negroni 4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby
4 min read Loneliness is one of many struggles that come with depression. Here’s how you can defy the disease and work through these lonely feelings Taylor Bennett 4 min read How loneliness affects the mind and body—plus 5 coping strategies Jason Crosby