how do you survive loneliness

i should be no stranger to loneliness now, ive lived alone 20 years, i have no support mechanism except for my elderly parents who live far away.....when ive tried to join in social gatherings in the past, people seem to shun me, i don't really know why.......my mum and dad have told me a billion times i look normal and don't stand out.

in the days i often don't feel it as much but at night, often, i really do feel lonely and abandoned...i also suffer with a personality disorder which ive had since 16 years old, i'm in my late 40s now.

anyhow i'd appreciate anything you know of on how i can survive my lonely existence.

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FreddieUK · 70-79, M

I've lived much of my life alone...but rarely lonely. If you don't reach out to others, you will always be lonely, because people assume you wanna be on your own. Invite someone out for a coffee, or whatever, joining a social/church type group or as someone else suggested, some voluntary work. If you have an interest (photography, trains, etc) there are lots of specialist groups around who would welcome another member. You may find that they are full of other lonely people who just want to be with other people.

If you want a life partner, then I'm not the best person to ask, but I guarantee if you don't put yourself out there, you will never meet someone who wants to spend the rest of their life with you.

nick030 · 31-35, M

I wish I had known. I don't have a problem being alone, but it does feel lonely at times. I've tried socializing more even though I'm an introvert. I even joined a band. It helped but then the feeling of loneliness would intensify as soon as I got home. I figured the only way I could prevent this is if I get married, which I wasn't really keen on earlier. I hope it helps though. I'm getting married in November... If this doesn't work for me, then probably I have tried everything and failed to find an answer.