Are you lonely, but unsure of how to connect with others? Do you feel uncomfortable or anxious in social situations? It may feel like you’re the only one, but the truth is that lots of people struggle with shyness and social insecurity. You may think that you’re doomed to a life of awkward social encounters, but you can learn how to be more confident and secure in your interactions with others. You don’t have to change your personality. It’s simply a matter of learning new skills and adopting a different outlook.
Loneliness isn’t an uncommon problem, and yet it’s something that most of us are hesitant to admit to. It makes us feel defective somehow. But you shouldn’t feel ashamed if you’re lonely. Humans are social creatures who thrive in company. We’re not meant to be isolated. Having friends makes us happier and healthier. Our emotional and even our physical health depend on our social connectedness.
Sometimes, loneliness is a result of external circumstances: you’ve moved to a new area, for example, so you’re building a social life from scratch. In such cases, there are lots of things you can do to meet new people and turn acquaintances into friends.
