Coping with Loneliness

In the following post, I address one of the greatest challenges of the dating process (and life in general): loneliness. First, I quote a song on the radio, which I deeply resonated with, then I share wise words from a fellow wellness blogger Whitney Caudill. The bottom line is this: Don’t be ashamed of feeling lonely. We’ve all been there. It hurts. It sucks. Don’t see it as a reflection of yourself. There are ways that can help you deal with it. 

So many songs promote the fantasy of romantic physical intimacy ignoring the potential negative impact on emotional health.

I give this song credit for acknowledging this common challenge of dating. 

“Scared to Be Lonely” – Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa

“Is it just our bodies? Are we both losing our minds?

Is the only reason you’re holding me tonight

‘Cause we’re scared to be lonely?

Do we need somebody just to feel like we’re alright?

Is the only reason you’re holding me tonight

‘Cause we’re scared to be lonely?”

“Even when we know it’s wrong

Been somebody better for us all along

Tell me, how can we keep holding on?

Holding on tonight ’cause we’re scared to be lonely”

I did some further research on this topic and found a great blog post by Whitney Caudill. She took the words right out of my mouth! And here they are…

Being Single: How to Handle Loneliness

By Whitney Caudill

“There are cultural and societal pressures/judgments/beliefs associated with being single that often weigh heavily on single people.”

“We not only stay in bad relationships to avoid loneliness, but we initiate relationships as a solution to our loneliness. We get involved with people that we would never date but for the loneliness.”

“We tolerate unacceptable behavior from friends, family and partners to abate loneliness.”

“I know that I am not broken because I have never been married. I have faith in a God who promised to order my steps. I also know what I need if I am lonely: I need to take healthy action — pray, talk to someone, or go be and connect with other people.”

“Don’t make important decisions from a place of loneliness. When you finally come to yourself, bad decisions will enhance loneliness. B. Loammi Diaz”

For the full article, visit: http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3461062

 

For more tips on how to handle loneliness, check out:

https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/07/16/10-more-ideas-to-help-with-loneliness/

http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/major-depression/depression-feeling-lonely/