When you’re feeling lonely and isolated it can seem as though you’ll feel that way forever. It can feel as though your only option is to get used to it. The truth is that there are many steps you can take to try and break through the way you feel today.
Learn to separate the truth from what’s going on in your head
When people spend too much time alone they tend to get some funny ideas. Often they’ll simply forget that not everything revolves around them. For example, they may ask a friend to dinner and when their friend says no they assume there’s no explanation other than they’re being rejected.
As a result, they withdraw from that friend – and other friends in some cases. The truth is that the friend may have been busy, not felt like it, or maybe they didn’t have the money to go out to dinner. The point is that the most likely explanation is that it actually had nothing to do with you in the first place.
Take small steps
It can feel overwhelming to think about the millions of things you have to do to get your social life back on track. It can be intimidating to think about doing something like joining a book group or talking to the neighbor. So why not start small? Pick up the phone and call an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Get used to connecting with people again before you put yourself out there.
You do have time for relationships
We hear it again and again: “I don’t have time for friendships or romantic relationships.” Many people feel that way – and it’s understandable. Any type of relationship takes a lot out of you and it takes a lot of time. However, it’s important to remember that you make time for all sorts of things in your life: your work, your family, your health. Why should friendships be any less important?
Are these tips not helpful for your specific situation? Thriveworks Virginia Beach Counseling & Coaching can help you come up with a personalized plan that’s targeted to your exact needs.
