How we overcome loneliness
A lot of people believe that, if you're lonely, it's because...
You live alone
You're single
You're older
You have poor social skills
You're introverted
The science of loneliness, spearheaded by the researcher John Cacioppo, has taught us these myths are incorrect.
In reality, loneliness is a state of being that arises in tandem with real-life challenges.
If you're lonely, you're probably going through something hard. You're dealing with medical problems, struggling with your mental health, unemployed, navigating relationship problems, or immersed in grief. Lonely people feel like no one is ‘in it’ with them and that they are facing these struggles alone.
That's why all of us have a collective responsibility to take on loneliness as a problem. The solution is to care for one another, and it requires all of us. (By the way, that's also where your personal happiness lies, too.)
Today, try this:
Think about someone you love who is having a tough time. This is a person who is likely to be feeling lonely. Then, reach out to them. Check in with them. Ask them about that challenge in their life. Proactively offer help. If you're not sure what to do, think about what you would want in this situation.
One small gesture at a time, we can build bridges that support one another.
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