Not Everyone Looks Forward to Weekends
Loneliness is not a binary feeling. It is always along a continuum.
It is Fair and Lonely
If someone asked me, “Are you lonely?”, my instinct would be to say “NO!” But it is a fair question to ask yourself.
In our mind we characterize loneliness as a binary thing. You are either lonely or you are not. That is not true. The truth is that loneliness is a continuum. We are somewhere along the scale of loneliness. Some days you feel truly lonely. Some days you feel somewhat lonely and then on the other days you wonder if you overreacted the other day. Loneliness is all of the above. It is a bit like thirst.
On a hot summer day, you could drink a jug of cold lemonade before you feel satiated. On a different day, having a sip may quench your thirst. Human beings are social animals. We naturally crave the company of others. Social relationships influence the health outcomes of adults and should take social relationships as seriously as other risk factors that affect mortality, say researchers.
“Being part of a social network gives individuals meaningful roles that provide self-esteem and purpose to life.”
Laughter is the best medicine. Read the research
Is Tech to Blame?
Sherry Turkle has a book whose title says it all - Alone Together. In a world where we are more connected, we are also increasingly lonely. We have outsourced everything from entertainment to jobs to finding a mate to technology.
Illusion of Companionship: Turkle argues that technology creates an illusion of companionship without the demands of friendship. People are constantly connected through their devices, yet they experience a lack of genuine human connection. People often prioritize digital interactions over face-to-face conversations, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Talking to people without the crutch of a mobile to look into is becoming harder for everyone.
Young people, or "digital natives," are growing up in an environment where technology is a constant presence. This can lead to anxiety about intimacy and reliance on digital interactions to manage social relationships. People expect more from technology and less from each other. This shift can result in a decreased ability to engage in deep, meaningful conversations and relationships.
“I hate weekends. After all how long can I do window shopping in malls. My colleagues have their own friends. My friends are all back in my town.”
Why are so many people feeling lonely
Changes in family structures, urbanization, and reduced community engagement contribute to loneliness. People are having to move away from the communities they grew up in as they enter the workforce. Discrimination based on race or sexual orientation, also plays a role in making people hesitant to reach out to others.
Financial instability and unemployment can lead to social isolation. Individuals struggling financially are more likely to feel lonely. Read more
Strengthen Existing Relationships: Make an effort to reconnect with family, friends, or colleagues you haven't spoken to in a while. Regularly check in with them, whether through calls, texts, or in-person meetings, to maintain and deepen these relationships.
Volunteering as a way to lower loneliness
Volunteering is an excellent way to alleviate loneliness while fostering social connections. To get started, first identify your interests by reflecting on causes you’re passionate about, such as animal welfare or environmental conservation. Next, research local organizations or online platforms like VolunteerMatch to find suitable opportunities. If you’re new to volunteering, begin with short-term commitments to ease into the experience. Consider virtual volunteering options if in-person activities are challenging. Finally, join a group or team to enhance the social aspect, making the experience more enjoyable and helping you build stronger connections.
Want to talk to me? Email me at abhijitbhaduri@Live.com
I came across this podcast by Glassdoor. It is an interesting conversation.
I spoke about careers, dilemmas and some errors
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