[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Fullwidth Post Title Header” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ background_color=”#f7f7f7″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(33,51,101,0)” parallax=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_module=”767″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title author=”off” date=”off” comments=”off” featured_placement=”background” text_background=”on” text_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” admin_label=”Fullwidth Post Title” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ title_font=”Playfair Display|900|||on||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#213365″ title_font_size=”55px” meta_font=”Poppins|500|on||||||” meta_text_align=”center” meta_font_size=”14px” meta_letter_spacing=”2px” meta_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_gradient_direction=”245deg” custom_padding=”130px||250px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”150px||150px” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” title_font_size_tablet=”45px” title_font_size_phone=”40px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Post Content” _builder_version=”4.9.0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”Post Content” _builder_version=”4.9.0″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
With connectivity across the globe growing exponentially, you would think it was highly implausible that loneliness is becoming the modern-day epidemic. And yet, it is. <\/span><\/strong>Despite the ability to reach more people than ever, we seemingly aren’t connecting with others as easily as we once did.<\/p>\n
If you don’t believe us and were wondering what loneliness looks like, it can often resemble depression and some forms of anxiety (although it’s worth noting that some of the happiest looking people can be the most troubled). <\/span><\/p>\n
Furthermore, observers have noticed a rise in anxiety across America and other western countries. For example, In August 2018, Barnes & Noble announced a huge surge in the sales of books about anxiety; which was a 25 percent<\/a> <\/strong>jump in June 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n
It may seem counterintuitive to suggest to this person that they accept their loneliness but stay with us for a second. If this person were to perceive their feelings of aloneness for what they are – feelings, they might be able to look at their situation with a fresh perspective.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
They could acknowledge their emotions as an indication of a need for change. That could mean putting themselves out there more or working on their habits to become less judgmental or insular.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n
These are all suggestions you can offer this person; however, as with any person who is feeling down, you will need to choose your words carefully. In this article, this is what we’re going to help you out with.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/astronaut-never-right-word.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(605 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 1″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
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\nI know that we may be surrounded by people and yet feel all alone. But I believe that we don\u2019t have the reason to feel lonely when there\u2019s the entire world inside us. Sometimes we simply need to take a break from everyone and experience and love ourselves. Look into yourself [Insert Name]. You\u2019re strong and beautiful and you\u2019re a thousand times enough.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This template is effective because it draws upon the person\u2019s inner assets and strengths. You are encouraging the one that feels all alone to turn to themselves. You promote self-love and reassure the person that is okay to feel lonely sometimes, pointing out that we all feel that way from time to time. If you (or someone you know) could benefit from learning how to promote wellbeing through positive self-talk, you might want to check out this article we wrote.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Template 2 | Stress the Importance of Common Humanity<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n[Insert Name], I\u2019m so sorry to hear that you feel all alone. If it makes you feel better most of us feel that way at some point. Your desires, fears, and sorrows are universal. So is your loneliness. We all feel lost sometimes. I know how strong you are and I know you\u2019ll overcome this challenge.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Reminding a person that \u201ceveryone hurts\u201d can help them understand that they are not alone in their pain and that their feelings are normal. Referencing common humanity, you\u2019re not trying to diminish the person\u2019s suffering but to help them feel less alone.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/social-media-addiction-never-right-word.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(615 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Copyright and Affiliate Links Notice” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_module=”10507″ locked=”on”]<\/p>\n
Illustrations courtesy of <\/i>Shutterstock<\/strong>.<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
This article was originally published on <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>. If this article appears on any other site other than <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong> without clear referencing it is a violation of the copyright owned by <\/i>https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/i><\/p>\n
This article may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. <\/span><\/em>Never the Right Word is a participant in the Awin Affiliates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to participating merchants.<\/span><\/em>\u00a0For more information, please view our <\/span><\/em>Privacy Policy and Earnings Disclosure page.<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Template 3 | Remind Them That Everything Is Transient<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nNothing in life is permanent, good and bad. Just because you feel alone right now it doesn’t mean things will all way be this way. Perhaps you could try [Insert Suggestion] to break out of this cycle?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nPerhaps you need to be on your own for the time being so you can focus on yourself?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nHey [Name], I know things have been hard for you every since you moved, but you will get used to your new surroundings and this difficult time will pass.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 4″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 4 | Help Them Gain Perspective<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n[List the person’s friends and family members that are in their life]. To me that seems like quite a large group of people that are there for you. We care about your wellbeing, even if everyone’s off living their lives and it seems like we aren’t interested. How can we make you feel better?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nIt may look like everyone’s out having the time of the lives, but remember that appearances can be deceiving. This person may have a lot of friends, but you have a small group of people who care deeply about you. I know which one I’d choose.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 5″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 5 | Encourage Them to Open Up<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nHey, I appreciate that you shared your feelings with me. I want you to know that I am here if you need to talk about it. I’m keen to know why you feel lonely? Do you feel isolated when you’re with people or do you simply not see enough people?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is a short and effective template to encourage someone who feels lonely to talk about it. Sometimes the simplest gestures go a long way. Simply offering to listen to them, you\u2019re letting the person know that they are not all alone.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/yoga-never-right-word.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(500 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 6″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 6 | \u00a0Ask Them Why They Feel That Way<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nOh, [Insert Name], I am sorry to hear that. May I ask, what makes you feel that way? What kind of thoughts are you having?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Encouraging the person to open up and tell you about the reasons behind their feeling of loneliness can be very helpful. Maybe they are disappointed in their partner\/family member\/friend\/coworker. Or they are surrounded by the wrong people. Maybe they don\u2019t know how to handle a toxic relationship. Or they feel like a failure professionally\/as a parent\/partner\/child\/friend.<\/p>\n
The reasons behind loneliness may be different. If the person is willing to share their thoughts and feelings, this may boost their awareness and help them understand why they feel lonely.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 7″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”26px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 7 | Encourage Self-Compassion<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\nYou deserve love and care like anyone else. Don\u2019t be too harsh on yourself. Think of what you would say to a loved one if he or she was facing a difficult situation. Then, direct this compassionate response toward yourself. I hope this will help you understand that you\u2019re not all alone.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
These uplifting words promote self-compassion and self-love. People who feel lonely and isolated are usually drowning in feelings of guilt and shame. They tend to punish themselves with self-criticism and self-judgment.<\/p>\n
Encouraging the person to direct kindness towards themselves can help them understand that everyone makes mistakes. This should, hopefully, help them feel less lonely.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/depressed-woman-never-right-word-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(455 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Template 8″ _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Template 8 | Ask for Their Company<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nHey [Name], I was planning to go to [Insert place]\/ to [Insert Activity]. Would you like to join me? I\u2019d really appreciate your help\/company while I [Insert Activity]. We always have fun doing things together!<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This is a straightforward way of letting the person know they are not alone. You are telling them that their company is pleasurable. Also, you are seeing them as valuable and showing that their opinion matters to you. This is a great way to reach out to family and friends with mobility issues.<\/p>\n
People who can’t get out much might feel as though everyone else is ‘out there’ living their lives, not giving them a second thought. Asking for their company reassures them that their presence has value to you. If (for whatever reason) you cannot be together in person, try gathering with family and friends virtually. After 2020 there’s an abundance of video call platforms. We have a fantastic article on how to engage isolated seniors, that has some helpful tips related this.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Template 9 | Offer Support<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\nWhat can I do for you? Don\u2019t hesitate to call me if you need me. Or if you just want to hang out.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Another way of being supportive is by offering your company. You can offer to do something together or simply to spend some time together. This template is good because it sends the message that you are available as a source of support.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/woman-riding-bike-never-right-word-scaled.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(480 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Despite the genuine human need to connect with another, a lot of people suffer from profound loneliness and isolation. Sometimes, you may be surrounded by people in your family, classroom, or office and still feel disconnected and lonely.<\/p>\n
It seems that modern technologies, smartphones, and other devices and particularly social media contribute to the epidemic of loneliness. While intended to connect us, these tools are often missing the elements that go with face-to-face interactions.<\/p>\n
Loneliness isn\u2019t limited to age, gender, social status, or financial success. Happily married people sometimes feel lonely. Movie stars feel lonely. College students and stay-at-home moms feel lonely.<\/p>\n
Encouraging the person who feels all alone to spend time with family and friends, get enough sleep, exercise, practice self-compassion, and talk about their feelings can help in coping with loneliness.<\/p>\n
At Never the Right Word, our aim is to give you practical examples of how to handle life\u2019s difficult conversations. If you have an awkward situation that you\u2019d like example templates for, request a topic here<\/b><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
If you\u2019re interested in further reading, we\u2019ve also included links to our trusted resources and related posts below. To find out more\u00a0about NTRW<\/b><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0our\u00a0recommended tools<\/b><\/span><\/a>,<\/b> you can do that\u00a0here<\/b>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
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