Lonely and sad. And bored.

Doesn't help that the daylight hours are so short right now so the evenings seem to drag.

I live alone, but am happy to do so. I don't get lonely as such, but occasionally am at a loose end, say if the weather is awful and I'm a bit stuck indoors, things like that.

All my family is coupled up with kids and grandkids. I look on it as the choice I made not to marry or have kids and focus on the freedom and financial benefits that brings. But very occasionally I do feel a bit meh. Not for long though as I count the positives!

I'm older now and realise that the lives of others is not always what I think it is and is rarely something to be envious about. Every kind of lifestyle has its pluses and minuses my own included.

I love the freedom of the single life though. Nobody whingeing, no endless dinners to cook on rotation, no washing machine going three times a day, endless clean ups, no poorly children, no school runs, and the best of all is NO Nativity play. Sorry bout that!

On the other hand I love children. Adore their little ways and the love they show. I enjoy all my N+Ns but quite honestly I am glad their presence in my life is transitory. Glad to hand them back!

Sorry for going on OP. I suppose I'm just saying that yes, there are times of the day, month and year when feelings of isolation can hit. It doesn't last forever, and try and focus on the positives.

Do you have any pets Op?

I have a husband and son but we have a gastroenteritis bug in the family and so we're pretty miserable too. I hear you on how winter is hard and I would love to be a bit of company for you. I'm in quarantine at the moment so also alone.

Husband just sits in his own room watching his boring telly. If I join him he’s a total old misery sack. Will find something to complain about- always does. Adult child gaming in the other room, wearing headphones and talking to their own friends. I have the dog tho. She always has something nice to say. This evening we are discussing what we want to get each other for Christmas. Thankfully she’s very much of the same mind as me.

I am recently single, my daughter is at her dad's I hear you. (And I know it is easier for me as I know DD will be back later in the week).

Do you have much social life? Even tho I am naturally an introvert I have been pushing myself to arrange more meet ups with friends. Not necessarily big nights out (I don't drink, anyway). But am going to a mate's on Friday just for a McDonalds and to watch TV. I find I massively look forward to small things like that now!

Hope you are ok. I am sure my reply doesn't help at all, but I didn't want to read and run.....

I'm also feeling very fed up, bored and lonely but I'm surrounded by kids, a partner, my mum, sister and partner.
I think you're right about the Christmas season putting on additional pressures.