The Reason You’re Alone

If you are feeling lonely, then there are likely reasons why, as Kurtzgesagt explains:

Why it happens and how to fix it

Many people feel lonely and disconnected, often not knowing how to make new friends. And yet, social connection strongly predicts happiness, while lack of it is linked to diseases and a shorter life.

One mistake that people make is thinking it has to be about shared interests; that can help, but proximity and shared time are much more important.

Another stumbling block for many is that adult responsibilities and distractions (work, kids, technology) often take priority over friendships—but loneliness is surprisingly highest among young people, worsened by the pandemic’s impact on social interactions.

And even when friendships are made, they fade without attention, often accidentally, impacting both people involved. Other friendships can be lost following big life changes such as moving house or the end of a relationship. And for people above a certain advanced age, friendship groups can shrink due to death, if one’s friends are all in the same age group.

But, all is not lost. We can make friends with people of any age, and old friendships can be revived by a simple invitation. We can also take a “build it and they will come” approach, by organizing events and being the one who invites others.

It’s easy to fear rejection—most people do—but it’s worth overcoming for the potential rewards. That said, building friendships requires time, patience, caring about others, and being open about yourself, which can involve a degree of vulnerability too.

In short: be laid-back while still prioritizing friendships, show genuine interest, and stay open to social opportunities.

For more on all of this, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

You might also like to read:

How To Beat Loneliness & Isolation

Take care!