Hey Life - give me a break.

I think companionship entails a lot more than being amongst people @Faith-and-Hope. One can be lonely in a crowd. I realise that meaningful relationships don't just happen instantly; that they have to develop over time. Trust has to be built, warmth radiate and then love blossom. I miss that. I had it but the bad stuff was there too.

Frankly, I'm getting tired of my own company. Daughter is home but still in her room, can hear the occasional cough. Maybe her cold is affecting her mood (and resulting in rudeness) Doesn't appear that her boyfriend spent the night here.

My relationship with my mother was never a really close one. She was never my confidante and never knew so many of my woes. She just didn't have very strong emotional attachments but I loved her deeply all the same. There often were times I wanted to tell her things but held it back. Likewise with my sister. We are only two years apart and shared a bedroom for 18 years but she may as well be a stranger now.

I second what @Faith-and-Hope says above @soul

I totally get the loneliness, at a completely different level of course, but feelings of loneliness are often overwhelming.

I really trust you can find a companion or friend or someone who you can share interests and life with, you are such a genuine loving person you deserve it. You pour out so much support here on the forums even through your own struggles. I have personally been grateful and blessed or your time and encouragement.

Thinking of you at the moment.

Hi @soul

Just want you to know that I am listening and sending a big hug. Loneliness is really hard.....the pits. And it's not always about being physically alone - it's feeling an absence of intimacy with others.

Yes meaningful relationships do enrich happiness - particularly the one we have with ourself first. Once we acknowledge our own self value and what matters to us (comes first) - those meaningful connections outside the family will occur naturally given time.

Your daughter is similar to mine - at that age it is not about us, it's all about them and their issues. Please don't take it personally (I know how disheartening it is, that feeling of being let down, not valued). That will change in time as they mature. We can be there for our daughter's but we need to also step out into the world to meet and nurture our own needs and goals as individuals, making a life for ourself within our limitations and sometimes giving a little push and shove beyond our comfort zone. In my humble opinion, if some family members don't grant us the respect we deserve (do us wrong), it's time to put ourselves out there to find the right people who do value us and enhance our worth. It's the old saying, we can't choose family but we can always choose friends that become family. That's what I did.

Companionship when feeling that way (lack of intimacy with others) is more than being amongst people I agree, it's about developing deeper connections with a special few - which does take time to nurture along the way. This type of deeper connections doesn't always have to be experienced with a lover - close friendship is a very strong intimate fulfilling bond as well I have experienced. Some have closer plutonic relations with friends than they do their partners. And the latter can sometimes lead to the former if its right. I have experienced that it takes nurturing and effort on both sides to sustain it.

I had to take a leap of faith and put myself out there socially, together with being involved in what was meaningful to me, (as @Faith-and-Hope described); that is what lead me to the people I am close to today. Including my husband whom is the love of my life, my rock. I meant my husband at a time when I felt "ready" in myself for true intimacy/love. The latter is most important. Not when I was actively looking out of loneliness as such intimacy of two souls cannot be forced - if meant to be it will happen at the right time when it's meant to. And this usually happens when we have grown in ourselves first (being ready).

I have no experience on dating sites. Personally I like to get to know people face to face before making such commitments. But there may be people who may have had success with them. And it depends on the dating site too - my daughter has meant a lot of users on them but she may not be going about it the right way as the dating site she was on has a bad reputation for attracting such. It's a different world out there now to when I was single. I like meeting people the old fashion way.

You are a warm, caring and intelligent person @soul. You have much to offer to others but may be feeling vulnerable right now to open yourself up to that. Baby steps my friend. By taking some healthy risks socially and other ways meaningful to you in "small steps" in the outside world, may bring unexpected delightful results in taking that first step to connecting and engaging on a deeper level. Meeting and gravitating towards like minded people with similar needs and values is the key. Believe in yourself. Wishing much love and joy comes your way.

Hi @soul

Letting you to know that I am listening and am sending you a big hug.my friend

How are you doing this afternoon @soul

Thinking of you.

Thanks for reaching out to me in my time of need @Determined@Shaz51@Former-Member@Faith-and-Hope@Former-Member. Still feeling that emptiness but am heartened by the care you have all shown and the advice given.

I walked for 20kms today. It's my way of dealing with issues - time for meditating on the move. My older brother emailed me today so that was nice to receive. He sent me some photos of flowers he had grown so that was like a gift to me. I have just responded now.

Also had a chat with my daughter after she had been holed up in her room for most of the day. It was a real heart to heart. Told her that I had been struggling, that the sibs had been in touch, that I was feeling sad and lonely. She didn't offer unhelpful advice and listened without interrupting so that was appreciated. I also mentioned the dating thing and she didn't shoot down that suggestion either. She actually met her present boyfriend via a dating app and they have been together for nearly a year. As @Faith-and-Hope said - it does narrow down the pool so to speak and you can filter common interests. Just haven't got the confidence quite yet.

The other thing I brought up was taking a trip away. I didn't say to her that she was driving me crazy but rather that I was restless and she seemed okay with this idea too. I am contemplating heading to SE Asia maybe Vietnam or Thailand for a month, perhaps do some volunteer work. I have backpacked not that long ago, can certainly live without creature comforts and like the lifestyle. Plus, it's really cheap to live there with regards to accommodation and food. I could even incorporate a yoga retreat. Something to think about.

Just be careful with the dating app @soul.🐐Going overseas sounds good,wish I could walk like you.

Thanks @Former-Member. If I do go down that path, I have read the warnings. I am very wary and have major trust issues so I'm not going to jump in blindly.