Lonely?
Looking to deepen your connection with others and feel less alone? Check out some ideas below on how to invest in your friendships. Pick one and go for it!
Reach out to an old friend
Are there old friends you really enjoyed yet have not been in touch with for a while? Give them a shout out to see how they are doing and if they would like to get together sometime. Life seasons change and people drift, yet that means people can also drift towards one another again too. Just because they have not reached out, it does not mean they would not be thrilled to reconnect with you. Be the initiator!
Reach out to a family member
Have any family members you are curious about getting to know better? Maybe a cousin, uncle or grandparent. In family contexts we may have spent many years around one another yet not taken time for deep conversation to further the connection. People also quickly get put into boxes in families and maybe getting to know your family member will help you see them more clearly as they truly are. Sometimes in family events one on one conversations can be hard to come by, so this is a way to intentionally plan one.
Meet new people
This can be the one that often feels the scariest. It’s quite vulnerable to put ourselves in new social situations; we risk rejection, enter the unknown and fear what others may think of us. Yet, that does not have to prevent us from showing up! We can have all those difficult thoughts and feelings AND still take a step towards what truly matters to us. Check out different apps for connection, meetup.com, event brite, and local events that are things you’d enjoy or are curious about experiencing. Say yes to the invites that come your way. Show up, breathe, be present and tell yourself no matter what happens- you will leave so proud of yourself for taking that step!
Spark dialogue with people you come across
Treat people around you as exactly that… people! People with stories, experiences and feelings. Everyone who is in proximity to you is a potential opportunity to practice social skills and/or get to know someone better. This could be a neighbor, a stranger at the cafe, a colleague, someone waiting in line with you; these are opportunities to connect with someone which decreases your sense of disconnection and loneliness.
Make connections online
If meeting new people face to face sounds beyond overwhelming, consider where you might find a community online who has similar values and interests to you. Start contributing to the conversation; asking questions, sharing stories, and participating in an online meet up. This way you can feel safe in your environment, have a cozy blanket on your lap and still be putting in the work to surround yourself with a community of support.
Start a group
Some people feel more comfortable in social situations if they are leading/hosting because there are less unknowns. Or if you can’t find the kind of group you are looking for, start it! If Consider starting a group around something that interests you or a goal you are working towards. You can host it through meet up or if you are affiliated with a local library, church, park; you could consider involving their property and/or connect with them to advertise the group.
You have much to offer friendships, don’t sell yourself short and get stuck in doubt. Pick one and go for it!