15 Steps To Cure Loneliness

By molly atherton 1 year ago
Navigating the journey from loneliness to connecting with others involves simple yet impactful steps.  You should never underestimate the power of a friendly smile and a warm "hello." These small gestures are ways of breaking down barriers and opening the door to potential friendships. With a positive mindset and a bit of courage, each small effort contributes to a more connected life. Remember, you're not alone - let's embark on this journey together!

1. Acknowledgement

The first step to many issues is to acknowledge the problem. Maybe you've been feeling sad, angry or lacking motivation. Once you realise this may be because you're lonely, you can then work on improving matters.  Understanding and admitting that you're lonely is the first big step to changing this.
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By acknowledging loneliness as the root, you pave the way for positive change. Recognizing the emotions tied to it will empower you to focus and work on yourself.  Understanding and admitting loneliness is the key to unlocking a path towards a happier, more connected you.Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. Normalise

Loneliness is normal! Understand that feeling lonely is a super common, natural experience that a lot of people go through. Remember that you're not alone in feeling this way, it can help to feel a little less isolated and remind you that it's not your fault.
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Feeling lonely is a common part of being human. Many people experience it, and it's completely normal. Recognizing that you're not alone in feeling this way can be comforting. Embracing the idea that seeking support is a natural and courageous step encourages self-acceptance.

3. Get to the root cause

If you can, try to reflect on the root causes of your loneliness. For example, could it down to a lack of social connections, low self-esteem, or other factors? Once you can understand what the cause is, you can see what is missing and it's much easier to work on this.
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Whether it is actually a lack of social connections or struggles with self-esteem, understanding the cause helps tailor solutions. It provides a roadmap for building connections or boosting self-worth, making the journey towards overcoming loneliness more focused and achievable.

4. Self-compassion

When you're feeling lonely, it's important to always practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself throughout the process. This can help you to see yourself in a more positive light, boosting your self-esteem and confidence. All of these things are vital if you're looking to build connections with others.
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Recognize that loneliness is a shared human experience and it's perfectly normal. Treat yourself with kindness and patience during this period, understanding that personal growth is a gradual process. Nurturing self-compassion becomes the cornerstone for building real connections.

5. Self-reflection

Everybody could benefit from practicing self-reflection. It helps you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This might help you to find yourself if you're feeling lost. It shines a light on your values, your interests and motivators. Knowing more about yourself can help you to find your people.
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It's not about being lost but discovering more about yourself. By examining your values, interests and motivators, you can unveil the unique facets that make you, well, you. This self-awareness isn't just empowering; it becomes a magnetic force in attracting your tribe!

6. Relationship building

Of course, building meaningful relationships is a no brainer in terms of fighting loneliness. However, this can be hard to do! Start by setting some goals for yourself that involve building and maintaining relationships. This way, things can feel less overwhelming.
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As you delve into self-reflection, it's like peeling the layers of an onion—revealing new insights and understandings. This process isn't a one-time deal; it's a continuous journey of self-discovery. You might uncover hidden strengths, passions, or even areas for personal growth.

7. Hobbies

Now you've reflected on what you enjoy, why not try and find ways to do more of what makes you happy! Take up a new hobby or activity. Not only will this do wonders for your mental health, but you might just find like-minded people in the process of doing so!
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Starting a hobby with like-minded people encourages a sense of community and shared passion. It creates a supportive environment for learning and enhances motivation. This social connection enriches the hobby experience, promoting lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.

8. Social opportunities

There are a lot of social opportunities out there if you have a look around. You could consider joining clubs, groups, or organizations that align with your interests. This can create a fun, low pressure environment where you can establish social connections.
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Exploring social opportunities will open doors to new friendships. Whether it's joining a book club, sports group or a volunteer organization, these settings offer a relaxed atmosphere to connect with others who share your passions.  Friendships then tend to materialize without realising it!

9. Events and meetups

If you have a look online, you might find that there are local events or even meetups in your local area. Often, you'll find other people have chosen to attend these events for the same reason as you - to expand their social circle and fight loneliness!
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Venturing online unveils a treasure trove of local events and meetups catered to diverse interests. Attendees share a common goal: breaking the chains of loneliness and building connections. These gatherings provide a digital bridge to a vibrant community,

10. Volunteer

Volunteering for a cause that means something to you is a great step. Not only does this give back to your community or area of choice, but you're getting a lot out of it at the same time! Helping other people will leave you feeling fulfilled and connected.
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The sense of fulfilment derived from making a positive impact on others amplifies your own well-being. Beyond combating loneliness, the shared purpose and camaraderie within a volunteer community create bonds that extend far beyond the initial act of service.

11. Reach out

Sometimes, when people feel lonely, there are already people that they could connect with but the thought is just too daunting. If you feel able to, take the leap to reach out to old friends, colleagues or acquaintances to rekindle or deepen your connection.
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Reconnecting with familiar faces can be a gentle yet powerful antidote to loneliness.  Taking this step not only bridges the gap between isolation and connection but may also open doors to a supportive network that has been there all along.  It's certainly worth a try.

12. Social media

Social media gets a lot of stick but, when used in the right way, it's actually a fantastic tool for connections. You might choose to use it to keep in touch with friends and family or you may prefer to find new people to connect with.  An example is by joining online groups.
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Platforms like social media can be a dynamic space for forging connections. Engaging in online groups aligned with your interests introduces you to a diverse array of individuals sharing similar passions. It transforms the digital realm into a lively community.

13. Communication skills

The key to having meaningful relationships with others is communication! Maybe you could develop or improve your communication skills. This can help you to express yourself more effectively and confidently. Conversations can then feel a lot less daunting for you.
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Enhancing communication skills is a gateway to deeper connections. Practice active listening to truly understand others and articulate your thoughts more clearly. As you refine these skills, conversations become less intimidating, creating an environment where expressing yourself feels natural.

14. Active listening

So you can now express yourself confidently but you also have to have good listening skills to become a more rounded individual.  Making sure you're actively listening to other people is just as important. Listening and understanding with genuine interest and empathy makes you more likeable.
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Besides expressing yourself, being a good listener is crucial. When you genuinely listen with interest and empathy, it makes you more likable and builds trust. So, it's not just about talking but also about paying attention and understanding others in a friendly way.

15. Open to new experiences

Often, when you've been used to your own company for a long time, it can be difficult to step outside of your usual routine. Understand that change is impossible when you're living inside your comfort zone! Step outside of this and be open to new experiences.
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Embracing change requires stepping beyond your comfort zone. Start small, try something new, and gradually expand your horizons. Openness to new experiences introduces variety into your routine, making the journey from solitude to connection more exciting and fulfilling.

16. Self-care

Self-care is essential for everybody! When you're trying to improve your well-being and making a change, it's even more important to look after yourself well. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Additionally, finding moments of relaxation and practicing mindfulness can contribute significantly to your overall well-being. Taking time for hobbies and activities you enjoy, connecting with loved ones, and setting realistic goals for personal growth all go towards a positive outcome.

17. Professional help

Knowing when to seek professional help is brave and it's wise. Sometimes, things can feel too heavy to handle alone. Let those who are trained to help, help you, it's their job! If you feel that loneliness is significantly impacting your mental health or you're struggling to cope, this may be a step in the right direction.
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Reaching out to a mental health professional can provide valuable insights, coping strategies, and a supportive space for discussing your concerns. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and professionals are equipped to guide you through challenging times.

18. Support groups

You might also want to consider joining support groups, or even group therapy sessions. Here, you can share your experiences with other people who are likely to understand and relate to exactly what you're going through. Or, you can start by just listening to other's contributions, which is likely to boost your confidence to join in when you're ready.
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Engaging with others who have faced similar challenges can provide a wealth of perspectives and practical advice. Additionally, group sessions often create a platform for building meaningful connections, enhancing your social support network, and reinforcing the idea that you are not alone in your journey toward mental health and well-being.

19. Practice gratitude

Did you know that the single greatest cause of happiness is gratitude? Practicing gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life can literally alter your brain in a positive way. Whether this is a chat you had with a stranger in the shop or a friendship with someone at work. When you focus on the good, the good gets better!
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As well as this, incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as keeping a gratitude journal or expressing thanks to others, can further amplify the positive impact of gratitude on your mental health and contribute to a more fulfilling and contented life.

20. Mindfulness

Studies have shown that people who practice mindfulness and meditation have a reduced feeling of loneliness! This is probably because these practices help to increase self-awareness and self-reflection. Also, they promote calmness and contentment.
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Furthermore, mindfulness and meditation foster a deeper connection with the present moment, allowing individuals to appreciate and savor their surroundings and experiences.  As these practices become integrated into daily life, the sense of loneliness diminishes, replaced by a richer, more fulfilling social experience.

21. Nature

Nature is a healer. If you spend a lot of time indoors or with technology, it will do you a world of good to take a break in nature. You'll likely notice a clearer mind and it really is a great way to foster a sense of connection with the world around you.
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Whether you're taking a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains or simply enjoying the tranquility of a garden, the natural world has a calming effect on the mind and spirit. Connecting with the beauty of the outdoors clears your mind from negative thoughts.

22. Kindness

Kindness is contagious. Try and factor in just one act of kindness every day and you'll quickly notice a difference in your happiness! Knowing that you've helped to brighten someone else's day can increase your own feelings of connection. Plus, you're bound to get some good karma coming your way.
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Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also create a positive ripple effect in your own life. The sense of fulfillment and connection derived from helping others enhances your overall well-being and strengthens your social ties. Embracing a daily practice of kindness creates a compassionate mindset.

23. Family members

If you can, reach out to family members or loved ones. You might want to open up about your feelings of loneliness, or you might just want to make an effort to build and maintain strong relationships with them. Maybe you could create some social plans with them, too.
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Building and nurturing connections with family members or loved ones is a powerful antidote to loneliness. Sharing your feelings with them not only strengthens your bond but also opens the door for mutual support. Creating social plans, even a simple get-together or a shared activity, can help.

24. Get a pet

If you're feeling lonely, you should definitely consider getting a pet! Whether you choose to invest in a dog, or if you'd rather start small with a fish, sharing your space with them provides a sense of companionship and will alleviate feelings of loneliness.
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Pets can offer unconditional love and support, creating a bond that can be especially comforting during lonely moments. The companionship and routine care associated with having a pet can bring structure and purpose to your daily life, giving a sense of responsibility and connection.

25. Creativity

Everybody has some kind of creative side to them. Try engaging in creative outlets such as art, writing or music.  These activities can be highly therapeutic and will provide you with an outlet for your emotions. Negative feelings bottled up with nowhere to go can often amplify.
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These activities provide a constructive channel for processing negative feelings and transforming them into something positive. Embracing your creative side will open up self-discovery, offering a fulfilling means of self-expression that can contribute significantly to your overall well-being.

26. Self-contentment

People who can appreciate and enjoy their own company are usually a lot happier than those who cannot. Working to develop a sense of self-contentment will help to ensure your happiness regardless of the noise or people that are around you. This can help battle loneliness when you're happy on your own!
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Cultivating a positive relationship with yourself is a powerful tool in combating loneliness. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, even when alone, contributes to a sense of self-sufficiency and contentment. Embracing solitude as an opportunity for personal growth allows you to recharge and appreciate your own company.

27. Avoid comparison

Comparison with others is rarely a helpful thing to do. If you're focusing on what other people have and what they're doing, comparing it with your own journey, you're likely to feel isolated and hard done to. Everybody is on a different journey and often, what you see isn't somebody's reality.
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Instead of comparing yourself to others, embrace your unique path and celebrate your individual achievements. Recognize that social media and external appearances often present curated versions of people's lives, not the full story.  By staying true to your own journey, you can gain a sense of gratitude for your experiences and accomplishments.

28. Routine

Try to develop a a routine that includes regular social activities or interactions with other people. An example of this could be including a gym class, a walk to the local shop or choosing to work in a local cafe rather than at home. Once this becomes the norm, you'll likely establish relationships with those around you.
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By frequenting the same places or participating in group activities, you create opportunities for familiar faces to become friends. Over time, these routine interactions can blossom into deeper connections, providing a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness.

29. Resilience

Resilience is an important skill that everybody should have. Building meaningful connections takes time and effort. If you're someone that isn't very thick-skinned, you're likely to end up hurt and it can be difficult to persevere when you feel like you've been knocked back.
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Developing resilience involves recognizing that setbacks and rejections are a natural part of the socializing process. It's crucial to view these experiences as opportunities for growth rather than personal failures.  It helps you bounce back from disappointments and continue your journey toward building lasting relationships.

30. Optimism

Keeping an optimistic mindset is definitely key to getting yourself out of a loneliness rut. If you believe in your ability to overcome loneliness and that it's possible to establish connections with other people, then it will happen! Stay positive and trust the process.
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Believing in your capacity to build connections not only boosts your self-confidence but also attracts positive energy and opportunities into your life. Adopting an optimistic mindset allows you to approach social situations with openness and resilience, making it easier to navigate potential challenges. Embrace the journey, celebrate small victories

31. Remember that everyone feels lonely sometimes

It's all part and parcel of feeling lonely that you also feel like the only one in the entire world feeling that way - which can make you feel even more lonely! You might look around and see people having fun, hanging out with friends and wondering why you're the only person who feels alone - but you have to remember everyone feels that way sometimes.
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It's essential to recognize that feelings of loneliness are universal and don't reflect a personal failure. In reality, many people, even those who seem socially connected, experience moments of isolation and longing for deeper connections. Understanding that loneliness is a shared human experience can be a comforting realization.

32. Accept that it's okay to need connection

While it's important to practice self-love, self-care and being independent enough to feel like you don't need anybody else, it's also 100% okay to want other people in your life, to need that connection and to look for it. Some people might have made you think "you can only depend on yourself'."
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These "well wishers" might say "you can only depend on yourself'" and "you need to enjoy your own company."  Don't take their comments to heart because you can be independent while still craving key connections - believe me, it's normal and it's definitely okay.

33. Definitely don't blame yourself

When you're in a spiral of loneliness, it's easy to turn to the only person there to blame: yourself. Especially if you're alone as a result of actions you've taken (like breaking up with someone, or cutting a friend out of your life) you're likely to think it's your own fault you're alone.
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You really shouldn't blame yourself for it - you made the decisions you had to and sometimes people end up being more alone than they thought they would be.  These things happen. There's always time to change and for a light at the end of the tunnel.

34. It has nothing to do with you as a person

And with the blame also comes the fact that you start doubting yourself as a person. Even worse, when people question you if you say you're lonely by saying "oh but you're so pretty! You're such a nice person, how can you not have a million friends?"
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Being lonely has nothing to do with the type of person you are and certainly no relevance to how attractive you are.  It's just one of those things that can happen to anyone.  Don't put yourself in the mindset that you are destined to stay this way - the opposite can become the reality.

35. Make eye contact with people

We don't mean in an intense way, but you're more likely to make connections when out and about when not looking down at your phone or avoiding looking at anyone. Making eye contact, smiling and saying hello can open up more opportunities, especially in social locations like at a bar.
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You can even strike up a friendship whilst out grocery shopping, particularly if you see the same regular shoppers in the store. You never know, you might end up starting a conversation (if you want to, of course!).  Sometimes you have to be brave but you'll reap the benefits.

36. Join a fitness class

If there isn't a social hobby club you'd like to join, or maybe your hobbies are more solitary ones, then using fitness as a way to meet new people can be a good opportunity. You need to be keeping active anyway, so why not try looking for a fitness class in your area.
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If you like certain exercises, why do them alone? You could join a yoga class, a cardio class or anything else that gets you in a room with other people.  You'll end up really looking forward to the next class and not just for the keep fit aspect of the session.

37. Handwritten correspondence

We know that most correspondence these days is done through a phone screen, but when you're feeling lonely - maybe all your friends are long distance and you live alone - sometimes a message on a screen doesn't quite cut it. Handwritten letters sent from friends or loved ones in the post like pen pals could actually make you feel a whole lot better.
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It's more personal, would be greatly appreciated, we're sure, and may even include other things about them, like a spritz of perfume they've put on the paper!  Ah, they used to be the good old days so bring them back!  Going down the organic route can be an advantage.

38. Money isn't always the answer

When you're feeling lonely and maybe don't have a lot of spare money, it's very easy to think that if you had more money you'd be able to get out there and do more things to meet people. While this is definitely true, it's not always the case as money won't definitely solve the problem of loneliness.
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True connections often stem from shared interests, genuine conversations, and a sense of belonging, which don't necessarily depend on financial resources. Engaging in low-cost or free community activities, volunteering, or joining local clubs can be effective ways to meet like-minded individuals without a significant financial burden.

39. Be nice to strangers

This should go without saying anyway - human kindness and all that! - but we just mean it might help to open yourself up more to strangers if you're usually someone who's not paying much attention to the people around them. Look for opportunities to help people if they need it.
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Otherwise, be nicer with greetings or facial expressions and it might help you to connect with others.  They do say that if you smile at people as you pass them, it actually puts you in a good mood, especially if they acknowledge you back.  It doesn't make you feel invisible like loneliness can.

40. Go solo traveling

If you've never done it before, solo traveling might sound like a lonely experience and defy the point of wanting someone to do things with.  Solo traveling, however, is one of the best things you can do when feeling lonely.  It helps you connect with yourself and work through your emotions.
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It also opens you up to a lot of new situations where you'll talk with and meet new people.  You may be forced to interact with them initially for an issue with your journey and in no time at all you're comfortable with speaking to individuals and can even end up as a social butterfly!

41. Or join organized travel groups

If solo traveling just isn't for you and you want to push yourself more into meeting new people, then you could also join organized travel groups - especially ones for people traveling alone - as you will then be on the same trip with a bunch of other people with the same goals in mind.
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It's very likely you'll get chatting with someone and hopefully make a new friend.  This is a more natural way of connecting with others without any awkwardness, especially if you are on the shy side.  Being more relaxed when on vacation also makes it less stressful.

42. Make the first move

This one can get complicated because you need people in your life who make the same effort to contact you as you do them. It's much better to have less friends or contacts than a ton of people you're constantly being the only one making the effort for.
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However, sometimes it might take you sending a quick message or email to say hello if you're feeling particularly lonely.  When you get a response and the conversation starts flowing, this will give you the lift you needed and hoped for.  It will also give you confidence to do the same again at a later date.

43. Make sure to get enough sleep

You may think this particular point has no relevance in loneliness but not getting enough sleep really does affect every part of your health, physical and mental, and surprisingly it's also going to affect how lonely you feel. A lot of this can be due to being more likely to have a negative mindset if you're running on low sleep.
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Not only that, but if you're not getting enough sleep, you're not going to have enough energy to motivate yourself to get out there, socialize and meet new people.  Prioritizing quality sleep becomes a vital foundation for maintaining the energy and enthusiasm needed to actively participate in social activities.

44. Write a journal addressed to someone

You could think of a name, or just write 'Dear Friend'. Having a journal when you're lonely might feel like an even more solitary thing to do, but actually it can help you to process things if you don't have anyone to talk to in real life at that moment.
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Writing a journal addressed to someone can make you feel like you're writing a letter to a friend who's happy to listen.  As you start to write it, you are likely to become unaware that it is not addressed towards an actual person and you'll feel better in yourself.

45. Re-organize your home

Feeling lonely can be triggered - or made worse - if you feel like your home life is a mess or disorganized. We know how comforting it can be to know that everything is clean and tidy and sometimes that can be just what you need to get into the right mindset.
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We're talking about the mindset to tackle your goals for meeting new people. It may also help you to decide what you want to keep or throw out of your life for moving forward.  Re-organizing your property will keep your mind off feeling as lonely and you will have accomplished a big task as well!

46. Find religious or spiritual connections

This obviously only applies if you're actually religious or spiritual - if you are, this can be a good starting point for meeting likeminded people, as you could start to attend church or other community meetups. Even if you aren't religious we have a suggestion.
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If you're not religious or really spiritual, you could still look into groups that cater for that - maybe groups teaching more about non-religious spiritualism or mindfulness.  Being a little out of your comfort zone can be daunting but will build confidence.

47. Use apps for making friends

There's a huge focus on dating apps these days but did you know there are some apps that can be purely for making friends in your area? We know that apps have made the dating pool a lot easier than depending on meeting people in real life by chance so ....
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Why can't the same be said for friendships? See if there are any apps available for that in your area and give it a try.  You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  There could even be someone living very close by who is looking to meet new people for the same reason as yourself.

48. Evaluate your friendships

You can also feel lonely even when you have a whole bunch of friends. Loneliness when in the presence of other people may be a sign you're not getting the connection you need from them. It might be a good idea to evaluate the friendships in your life.
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Have they run their course? Are your friends no longer making an effort with you, or no longer having the same goals or interests? Are they taking up time you could be spending on making new friends?  Be truthful to yourself as only you can answer that.

49. Work in public or give co-working a go

Loneliness can often hit the hardest when you work from home, if you don't have a big social group either. One way to tackle this, if you're free to work remotely, is to give co-working spaces a go, which will see you working in an environment with other people.
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Another suggestion is that you could try working out at a coffee shop or a library, particularly if you are into books! Even if you don't end up talking to someone, it can often help to have people around you instead of being home alone where you can hear a pin drop.

50. Make sure to always have noise

Feeling lonely at home alone is difficult to cope with - and what can make it worse is silence. You're reminded of the absence of other people, or other things going on. To help you feel more at ease, you could listen to music that makes you feel happy or connected. You could put the TV on a low volume to give the impression of background chit chat.
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Consider creating a playlist of your favorite tunes to elevate your mood and fill the space with positive energy. Alternatively, tuning into a podcast or audiobook can provide the comforting hum of voices, mimicking the presence of others. These simple auditory companions can transform your environment.