It's OK To Be Alone, But Don't Be Lonely

[AARPMaggie]

The next time you're feeling too tired or busy to ask a friend to lunch, attend church or join a new club, go ahead and do it anyway. Why? A recent report, detailed in this article, shows that loneliness can be as much a threat to longevity as obesity — even in people who say they like to be alone. So pick up the phone and call a friend today. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more brain health information.

[jezebellydancer]

I was called back to work after only 2 months furlough. It's retail with a lot of customer service involved. By the time I get done work, I just want to be alone. LOL.

I'm generally very gregarious. But with no where to go, I had to find ways to balance my alone time, with my "people" time. Playing games has been a great way to do that.

[dgluer50]

Having worked in customer service for the majority of my working years, I truly DO NOT MIND BEING ALONE!  Even if you tried to work but had any kind of cough...you were avoided like the black plaque-- where as before they were all in your personal space.  Whenever I needed to have company I would just call up someone and we would just talk away,,

[Anonymous]

June 9, 2021

Lol @dgluer50 luv your reference to black plaque 🤣😂 So true!!!!

[Anonymous]

June 9, 2021

Hi @jezebellydancer retail can be draining. I can no longer do it. Did it off and on while in between jobs. I no longer have the interest in keeping a smile on my face while being cussed out by a customer.

[jezebellydancer]

@RetirementAngelaVA  I hear you. I didn't have a choice. I needed a job. The pay and benefits are good for a retail type job. It was billed as an office position, but the actuality is more like retail/customer service. I'm on my feet a lot more than I care to be. I finally found a position more in line with my skills and desires. I start in a few weeks! A big plus is no more working weekends, or working until 10 or 11 at night and then having to be back at work by 8am. There's a special place in hell for customers who stroll in a few minutes before closing

[PaulH627938]

if anyone feels like their alone, it would be me. i have no family around me, none to call upon. i have friends but not the kind i can call upon just to "talk" so i really am alone no question but i don't let it get me down. i love being alone. i can't stand anyone being in my home for more than 15 minutes but i am still joyful by keeping what friends i have, watching my favorite programs on t.v. reading my favorite books online solitaire is my games playing my radio  & my talks with GOD keeps me sane.

[ClaudiaG662061]

I have no family, period & my friends are all married.  But, it's up to me to make myself happy. I'm all I've got so I have hobbies that I love, I listen to upbeat music, I read, I research, I do quizzes online & I watch 1/2 hr old comedy shows before bed. I'm alone but I'm not lonely because I've accepted being alone & know it's up to me to be happy. I'm grateful for what I have. I don't focus on what I don't have.

[wm5188]

thanks, Claudia that is a great way to work with what you have 

[Anonymous]

June 9, 2021

Good for you @ClaudiaG662061 😁

[lewalberts]

I've got you beat.  In the area of friends i have only 1 left and he is 1500 miles away so phone calls is the only communication.  Family is 1200 miles away and it is only my wife and my dog that I really have to talk to.  I have acquaintances but not what I would call friends and even those I can count on one hand.  I have been a loner for as long as I can remember (maybe 5 or 6 years old) and it doesn't really bother me until I read things about how we are supposedly "wired" and then I am the odd man out.  Fortunately my current wife is of similar bent.  BTW, I am 81

[ClaudiaG662061]

Lew, if you have a spouse, you certainly don't have anyone beat! Please enjoy her & make your time together special. 

[Anonymous]

June 9, 2021

Hi @lewalberts it helps when we are with folks like us 👍 My only child gets it. She is the Social Butterfly 🙄 We cannot live together, way too much traffic for me. We tried it a few times over the years since I am divorced but ended up hating each other. Lol, she could not wait for me to move out and I could not wait to move out 🤣😂

[Anonymous]

June 9, 2021

Hi @PaulH627938 some days I okay with no family nearby. The other days I miss being able to see them versus texting or video calling. I am a loner and enjoy my own company. So grateful I was able to retire last year July 2020. Now I can choose to be around folks versus having to deal with folks I rather not have in my life. Great post 😁

[MsD54]

I'm a loner, too, for the most part, still would like to go shopping or lunch w/ someone occassionally.......like bi-monthly 😏

[chenkmm]

 "i can't stand anyone being in my home for more than 15 minutes"

Why is that, do you think? I'm like that too, and I wonder why. Because it seems extreme.

[Anonymous]

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@chenkmm wrote:

 "i can't stand anyone being in my home for more than 15 minutes"

Why is that, do you think? I'm like that too, and I wonder why. Because it seems extreme.

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💥Me too @chenkmm . I guess mine comes from being an only child out in the country for my first 7 years of my life. Lol, the farm animals were my friends 🤣😂 💥

[chenkmm]

Animals are terrific company. Friendly, funny, and loving. Do you have pets? My best friend these days is a cat. I used to be a lot more sociable. But in the past  10-20 years, I'm mostly alone.  I would like to have more connection, but can't seem to get up the energy! Anyone else feel that way?

[Anonymous]

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@chenkmm wrote:

Animals are terrific company. Friendly, funny, and loving. Do you have pets? My best friend these days is a cat. I used to be a lot more sociable. But in the past  10-20 years, I'm mostly alone.  I would like to have more connection, but can't seem to get up the energy! Anyone else feel that way?

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💥 I agree @chenkmm , animals are awesome. What is the name of your cat? No pets at the moment but I do have a doggie friend named Blitz 😁 💥

[ClaudiaG662061]

I have 2 crazy cats, who keep me entertained. They follow me everywhere, talk to me & sleep with me. So much easier than husbands!  LOL

[Anonymous]

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@ClaudiaG662061 wrote:

I have 2 crazy cats, who keep me entertained. They follow me everywhere, talk to me & sleep with me. So much easier than husbands!  LOL

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💥 Lol @ClaudiaG662061 🤣😂 What are their names? Any pictures to share with us of them? No pressure 😁 Angela 💥

[ClaudiaG662061]

Angela, I am definitely NOT a techy but if I were, I would gladly send you pics of my cats. They are both female, rescues and under 2 years old. Not from the same litter but have been together, since they were abandoned. "Harmony" is black and "Carmen" is a Torbi. Harmony is a wild woman, Carmen is quiet & laid back. Both are entertaining, in the evening, both cuddlers, (but not at the same time,) and both are most assuredly, life savers!

[chenkmm]

Miley. Or, sometimes Smiley. I adopted her a year ago, she's a great companion!