All the Lonely People

July 10, 2017

In the past year, I’ve been stunned at how many people have told me they’re lonely. These are people with jobs, families, and good social skills.

And on our neighborhood website this past weekend, one woman suggested a meet-and-greet, and a ton of neighbors chimed in, saying, “Yes, I’d love to meet people! I’m having a hard time making friends.”

What’s up with that?

(BTW, this post isn’t going to give answers. I’m genuinely curious.)

I always thought it was just me. 

Actually, I’ve met a couple of women with similar interests here, but our schedules are out of whack. The one who likes art and hiking works weekends; the one who likes plays and dining travels for work a lot. But at least I know they’re there, in the background.

I’ve got a person I can call and just yak to. She’s long-distance, but it helps. I feel all smiley when I hang up the phone from her; but I wish I had a person here I could call and say, “Let’s go for a walk,” or “Come over and play lawn darts.” Spontaneity, that’s the ticket.

Or not.

Anyway, good luck to all of us. And remember—in this respect, at least—you’re not alone. Maybe that will help us all feel less lonely.

Update:

January 11, 2020

Somebody brought up the idea of a neighborhood meet-and-greet again, and this time I went. When plans were discussed for another get-together, I couldn’t get over how many people said, “It will be nice to have something to look forward to, and somebody to talk to!”

Who knew?