My days are full, though sometimes full of heart-ache. At night, once the pets and child are asleep, I am alone. Going out is not an option, and sometimes books, music and movies just aren't going to cut it.
Did anyone find something surprising or helpful to them after a breakup that might help me get more comfortable with my alone time?
posted by SarahBellum
on May 17, 2013 -
18 answers
I really miss the affection, romantic interest and even just the regular physical touch of another human being. I'm going through several life transitions and can't really start a relationship until at least the fall, but how do I tide over the desperate feelings of loneliness until then? I don't want casual sex or a pet.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 27, 2013 -
17 answers
Just out of a short-ish relationship, the standard advice is "do things you like", "hang out with your friends". All the things I like are pretty solitary/not conducive to meeting people and I just don't have any friends, but I do want some, but I feel too crappy to figure out how to find some - see the circularity?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 25, 2013 -
10 answers
Due to a mix of laziness, depression, social anxiety and loneliness, I'm not doing too great in school. I really need to get it together, and I just don't know how to do it. I feel tapped out at the end of the day and I'm tired of it. I like art, but going to school for it just isn't very fulfilling. I'm thinking I just need to get through it and I'll be okay, but how do I develop the work ethic that my classmates have?
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posted by malapropist
on Mar 19, 2013 -
23 answers
What can I do to make the evening of Valentine's Day in an online chatroom suck less for everyone involved?
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posted by Soliloquy
on Feb 10, 2013 -
12 answers
College freshman here. Friend from high school has, for lack of a better word, ruined my college social life. Looking for outside opinions on the situation in general. I'd truly appreciate any insight, advice, anecdotes, etc. Thank you!
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posted by metacognition
on Feb 10, 2013 -
20 answers
I'm having a hard time dealing with feelings of profound loneliness and paranoia about the states of friendships which in turn affect my dreams and my moods (being a vivid dreamer) and I don't like the affect it has on my happiness. Is there any good literature or advice that you can give to help me conquer these feelings and appreciate what I have in my friends or branch out to finding others? Any communication advice to being clear with friends and alleviating my paranoia without insulting them or sounding weird?
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posted by Recca
on Jan 22, 2013 -
6 answers
So you survived your 20's, and part of it involved moving to a new city where you didn't know anyone. Recommended?
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posted by windbox
on Dec 29, 2012 -
32 answers
I feel like I'm at the bottom of a deep pit, and it will take a long series of successful maneuvers to get out of the pit. Other people's lives don't seem to be pit-shaped. Help me make this pit go away.
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 9, 2012 -
22 answers
My little family doesn't care for Christmas like they used to, among other things. How can I avoid or learn to cope with the holiday blues this year?
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posted by ohmy
on Nov 29, 2012 -
39 answers
I had a serious relationship of about ten years that ended a bit more than a year ago. My SO was my sole source of human friendship and companionship. Now that I'm on the other side, I'm struggling. How do I cope with the lack of meaningful human interaction and what can I do to move towards something better?
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posted by prex
on Nov 26, 2012 -
23 answers
I have recently realized that I am a selfish person, and I'm afraid my selfishness has been sabatoging my chances at having lasting, fulfilling relationships. I'm also self-loathing, which doesn't help matters, either.
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posted by dean_deen
on Nov 22, 2012 -
22 answers
I'm a 24 year old lady with failed relationship woes. Help me stop feeling so crummy about myself and give me day-to-day ways to feel more centered, happy, and not-desperate.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 17, 2012 -
9 answers
How do I make friends in an unfriendly place for young folks (18-20), and how can I make him believe that I've made changes to myself?
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posted by orchidgenes
on Oct 6, 2012 -
13 answers
After many years of living a very social life in a very big city I find myself living alone in a very remote part of the world. Seeking advice and insight into a life of solitude.
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 31, 2012 -
15 answers
I think I have avoidant personality disorder. I've never actually been diagnosed, but when you look at the behaviors and symptoms, there's really no question about it. What is my question is, can I fix it? Can I deal with it? What do I do?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 27, 2012 -
22 answers
You may be familiar with Dj Tomcraft and his song Loneliness. I'm searching for those exact same lyrics, but closer together and the song has more... tempo?
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posted by one4themoment
on Jun 30, 2012 -
3 answers
How can I decide where to settle down after graduating from grad school? I'm a 26 year old single guy and looking to plant roots.
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posted by Amistad
on Jun 27, 2012 -
11 answers
I'm having problems with my escapism. How do I kick my TV addiction?
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posted by Loto
on Jun 27, 2012 -
23 answers
How does one know that they are feeling "lonely" vs "alone"? Have you encountered both and can you share how you overcame these feelings, if at all?
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posted by xm
on Jun 12, 2012 -
13 answers
I'm a lonely extrovert looking to take the edge off the loneliness by playing an MMO. Which one should I play?
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posted by Pericardium
on Mar 29, 2012 -
11 answers
I feel like my depression and loneliness are growing worse and it's starting to become unmanageable. I could use some help or some advice or something. I'm not doing so well.
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posted by Modica
on Mar 27, 2012 -
30 answers
Existential panic in the mornings that subsides shortly after waking up. Is this just another stage in getting over a breakup?
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posted by sockomatic
on Mar 17, 2012 -
14 answers
Doubting if I am cut-out for freelance/independent work. There seem to be quite a few independent professionals here; it'd be wonderful to hear your thoughts/experiences.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 17, 2012 -
10 answers
I'm an out-of-place extrovert living in an isolated location with no friends and not a lot of hope of finding any real connections in the near future, and desperately need some sort of human contact, even if just online. Please help me find some.
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posted by sockless
on Feb 10, 2012 -
33 answers
I'm in my 20s and I always thought my life would be better than this by now. I'd love some advice on how to make friends and be happier and improve my life generally.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 29, 2011 -
36 answers
I'm recently divorced, and I'm realizing that I have never lived alone. I've always had roommates, parents, girlfriends or my ex-wife. And, wow, am I having a hard time with living by myself.
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posted by bonecrusher
on Nov 15, 2011 -
58 answers
Why don't I like new people and how can I get over it and make friends? Long snowflake details inside.
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posted by gregoryg
on Nov 1, 2011 -
21 answers
I'm feeling really lonely and depressed. My normal coping strategies either aren't cutting it this time or aren't immediate enough. What are some different ideas?
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posted by anonymous
on Sep 15, 2011 -
28 answers
I'll be away from my friends for the summer while working, and I'd like to pick up a hobby. I don't even know where to start.
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posted by Echobelly
on May 27, 2011 -
11 answers
Looking to start my own in-person depression support group, but have zero background in social work or psychology. What pitfalls should I be aware of?
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posted by sureshot
on May 18, 2011 -
11 answers
I need to improve my social and relationship skills. Can anyone recommend a behavior therapist in NYC who does social skill training and takes Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 28, 2011 -
3 answers
I found out I was pregnant last week. My ex just told me he won't be coming with me to the clinic. I feel alone, weak and sad. Please give me some guidance.
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posted by taiscape
on Mar 11, 2011 -
152 answers
I've been having short, intense feelings of overwhelming despair, particularly at night. I need advice on dealing with this.
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posted by NoraReed
on Feb 13, 2011 -
16 answers
I have an extraordinarily difficult time relating to other people. It often leaves me very bored, lonely, and frustrated. Why am I this way? What can I do?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 4, 2011 -
20 answers
Unbearable loneliness is making me consider trying therapy again. I'd like to work with someone who can give me concrete help on improving my social skills. Do such therapists exist, and how can I find one?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 21, 2010 -
12 answers
What are my blind spots, mistakes that I am not aware off. How did you form real friends at your 30s.
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posted by daveg02
on Dec 9, 2010 -
19 answers
Do most people feel the need for permanent, intense connections with other people? Am I abnormal in my need?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 5, 2010 -
40 answers
This would be a fairly standard 'how do I make friends' question, except I know the reason I can't. Lack of social skills, not liking normal socialising exercises (e.g. parties), and living miles from anywhere are part of it, but before I get to those problems I have this one: I don't like anybody. Seriously, this is an even bigger problem than people not liking me.
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 15, 2010 -
32 answers
