Do you feel like anyone actually cares?

I'm in a slump because I forgot my meds this morning. I've taken them now, but it's still led to the thoughts coming back.

The title of this post is not me saying that nobody cares about me like I used to. It's more a feeling of lacking social activity and affection. I'm not particularly close to anyone any more, and I know I'm not exactly high on the list for for people when they want someone to talk to or hang out with. The problem with that is it's extremely isolating and lonely, and can lead to feeling like nobody likes me despite knowing that isn't necessarily true. You can like someone and still not want to spend time with them. It does sometimes feel like there must be something wrong with me though. In typing this, I've realised I'm struggling more than I thought I was. I'm trying to be a good friend to myself, but when it feels like you're the only real friend you have...

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TinyViolins · 31-35, M

Nobody cares unless you give them a reason to. They got their own lives to worry about.

Having connections is important, but it's not everything. At the end of the day you always go back to yourself, so you better learn how to be okay with being alone regardless of who you have in your life. Otherwise you'd probably come off as being a leech

But I do know full well how bad loneliness is. I really only broke out of it after getting a dog. It encouraged me to go out more for walks, and so I got to get fresh air, feel the sun on my skin, see the neighborhood, say hi to my random people, and make occasional conversation. It made me more comfortable with getting out more.

The trick to finding people is by finding ways to connect with them. Sometimes that's just dumb comments about the weather or the news. Sometimes it's saying you like their hair or think their shirt is cool. If you run into the same people enough times, you'll build rapport and find common ground. It has to be natural though. Trying to force anything is a surefire way to creep people out.

It does suck when you're so lonely and desperate to fill the void in your life, but that's where having hobbies and interests come in. It gives you something to look forward to while you're in the process of meeting people. But again, you have to learn how to be good with you first.

FreddieUK · 70-79, M

@TinyViolins A dose of helpful, but unsentimental, advice.