Why are you lonely?
Last year, Cigna health insurance company published a report that found 3 in 5 Americans are lonely. They put that at the “epidemic” level. They shared this criteria:
“If you consistently feel some or all of the following, you may be dealing with chronic loneliness:
Inability to connect with others on a deeper, more intimate level
Many acquaintances but no “best” or “close” friend
Feelings that no one “gets” you
Overwhelming feelings of isolation even if you’re at a party surrounded by dozens of people
Negative feelings of self-doubt and self-worth
Feeling exhausted when trying to engage in social activities”
Sound like you? I hope not, but chances are good (61%) that you experience it. I want to know why. Tell me why you’re lonely in the comments below or send me an email or message on my contact page.
Some ideas about why so much loneliness in men: from Happiness.com
Not discussing feelings
Society, stigma, and toxic masculinity
Fewer bonding opportunities
Living alone
Marriage
I know what it’s like to be lonely. I could have said yes to each of the criteria above at one time or another, and it’s not totally gone. I certainly have had experiences where I’ve wished I could connect with the other person on a deeper level for years. I chose to keep reaching out, despite all the bumps on that road. I finally found companions and community, and I’m still yearning for more so that I can give the gift I received.
At the end of the story of the road to Emmaus in the Gospel of Luke, the two disciples encountered Christ in the breaking of the bread and that lit a fire within them to bring that gift back to the community in Jerusalem. It was their experience with one companion that benefited their whole community and brought hope out of despair.
We want to hear from you! Leave us a comment in the section below.
How do you cope with your loneliness? What fruits have come from that? For you personally and for your world?
