Most of us have felt lonely at times. But others certainly feel it more than others.
A survey in January 2020 revealed that more than three in five Americans are lonely, with more and more people reporting feeling like they are left out, poorly understood and lacking companionship.
Scientific American wrote in July that loneliness has been a growing problem for decades and it’s only been made worse by the COVID-19 lockdown. The requirement that we sequester ourselves whenever possible, venturing outside our homes only for essentials and maintaining a six-foot minimum distance from fellow shoppers or exercisers, has been frustrating – even painful. While keeping to ourselves helps prevents coronavirus’ spread, humans are social creatures and prolonged isolation takes a toll on our mental health.
“The average American’s number of close confidants (individuals with whom we can discuss important matters) has been shrinking,” the magazine wrote. “Adults in the U.S. had three confidants in 1985 compared to just two in 2004. And approximately one in four Americans reported having no close confidants in 2004 – an almost threefold increase from 1985.
We wonder how RVers are faring. Are you having a difficult time with loneliness, or is not an issue with you?
No I have never felt lonely but have missed my wife and kids while TDY in the service. I hunt a lot with my older son, when I venture hunting on my own the alone time is greatly appreciated. Plus taking into account we have three beagles who love nothing but to cuddle you can never be lonely. I think that loneliness is shutting yourself off from the world around you. Not accepting change and not staying involved with community, friends or making new friends. Find a hobby with others. One of mine buying old fishing pole at yard sales, refurb and giving them to kids. Worth a $1000 bucks to see a smile.
Its like the old axiom about depression. If you live in this life, in today’s world, and you aren’t depressed as a normal condition, you simply aren’t understanding the world you are living in. The same notion applies to loneliness. You reach a certain age and everyone, including yourself, are spread out across the USA or elsewhere and you can call out the dates on a calendar as to when you last spent time together. .
I have been lonely since my wife of 47 years passed away last January. I will try the suggestion from your readers that more reading helps.
With a wife who stood beside me through 42 years of marriage, most of a military career, and even worked alongside me for almost twenty years before we fully retired, I was seldom lonely. Just having her picture and knowing she was waiting back home helped fill the void during those temporary military separations, until she was able to join me. I still have a habit of reaching over to gently touch her sleeping form every night, reassured by her presence. Lonely? Not at all these days.
Not with my wife, she wouldn’t allow it
Sometimes I feel lonely when my wife leaves to visit her parents, but it is pretty rare that I get that way.
occasionally, sure…doesn’t everyone?
I don’t feel lonely now, but 10 years ago when my wife died I was very lonely for about a year. Since then I connected with another woman who came with an extended family. Loneliness is about the farthest thing from my mind now.
I have family that I know feels lonely much of the time, but they are far from me so I call and that helps but only so much. It is hard to feel lonely in a 400 square foot space and two people. If we had animals or kids it would feel crowded and too busy for us. Our life is near perfect living full-time in our motorhome.
I was an only child living in a geriatric neighborhood, my mother passed away when I was 12, and my wife of 39 years passed away for Christmas, 2009. I’ve known being lonely all my life. I’ve dealt with it by being independent and responsible for my actions, although I do enjoy the company of my fellow RVers and my 2 chihuahuas.
Remember, being “alone” and “loneliness” are two completely different things and should not be confused.
Sorry to hear the Mainers got scammed. Just remember if its too good to be true….
I feel lonely at home, but rarely when I am camping.
NO! Have a wife that keeps things going. Even during this China virus we took rides and stayed away from people.
Readers are never lonely.
I wondered why I never feel lonely….. and then you gave me my answer.
I was going to attribute my lack of loneliness to what I learned about the world and myself during the nineteen years between my marriages, but now I remember those were also years when I read almost constantly. That probably explains those several thousand books and magazines in our basement.
That’s true!