Today, countless people struggle with loneliness. If you’ve been feeling lonely and isolated, it’s not a personal failure. Many people are working long hours at jobs that do not involve much social contact. Some have to move far from their support networks in order to find work or affordable housing. Others struggle with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which make it hard to approach potential new friends and build trust. People with disabilities and chronic illnesses may have to spend most of their time at home, especially if their area lacks accessibility, giving them limited opportunities to cultivate social connections in person.
With so many factors creating distance between people, it’s easy to see why loneliness is such a prevalent issue today. Here are some simple steps you can take to start building your social circle and healing loneliness in your own life.
Give Yourself Grace
Sometimes, an individual who has felt lonely for an extended period of time will start to engage in negative self-talk and believe they are unworthy of friendships. However, directing this kind of criticism towards yourself will only fuel social anxiety and hinder you from meeting new people.
Instead, give yourself grace. Even if you’ve made mistakes in the past that led to lost friendships, remind yourself that every human being has had that experience at one point or another. You can always learn and grow, and you do not have to be perfect to build healthy friendships.
Foster Existing Connections
You might not have to introduce yourself to lots of strangers to make new friends. Instead, think of the people who are already in your life whom you could picture yourself getting closer to.
This could include acquaintances from work or around your neighborhood, or even old friends who you haven’t talked to in a while but wouldn’t mind reconnecting with. You might be surrounded by potential friends, but you just haven’t made an effort to strengthen those connections yet.
Try New Social Hobbies
Maybe there aren’t many people in your life at the moment whom you could see yourself forming deep friendships with. This is a sign that it’s time to mix up your social circle!
Look into social activities in your area, like volunteering, hobby groups, or exercise classes, and see which ones interest you and suit your schedule. Make a commitment to attend regularly so that you’ll see the same faces and get to know other people in the group.
Express Interest in Others
The best way to make a friend is to be a friend! This means demonstrating the kind of behavior toward others that would make you feel welcome. Ask people questions about themselves and express interest. Most people are excited to get to know someone new, and they enjoy sharing things about themselves.
Be the First to Extend an Invitation
Asking someone to hang out or attend an event with you for the first time can be nerve-wracking. But if you’re willing to make the first move, you might be surprised by how much your social circle expands.
Try suggesting activities that center around common interests, and remember, if they aren’t able to attend, it’s likely not personal. People are quite busy, and it’s worth trying again. Additionally, make sure to cast a wide net. If one person turns down an invite, try asking another! Eventually, you’ll find a few friends who you really click with.
–
Are you struggling with loneliness in your daily life? A therapist can help you build strong connections. We encourage you to fill out our contact form to schedule your first session for depression counseling.