How to overcome loneliness?

[SausageSimon]

Have any of you overcome long term loneliness? I'd love to hear how, whether it happened by chance or whether you had to make the changes

I'm very fortunate in that I have lovely parents, a beautiful son and some lovely family friends but I'm painfully lonely.
It probably sounds stupid but it's to the point where when I think about it my heart sinks and I feel a tightness in my chest. I feel in pain with sadness, which I only ever had this feeling when my best friend I'd ever had moved away when I was 15.

While I'm so lucky to have good family, it hurts me that I lack friends and any sort of meaningful relationship. The people who do love me kind of have to, but the people who could choose me don't want me.

I'm a loving person and I long for a meaningful connection with someone else. I met someone on holiday and spending time with him was amazing because we laughed and talked for hours. It broke my heart not because of him particularly but because it was a stark reminder of what I have lacked for years. I just can't see things changing

I'd love to hear about your own experiences if you have any to share

Only that I’m in the same position. Painfully lonely and unsure where to begin (I’m a carer as two of my children have Sen). I don’t know quite how to rebuild my life.

@Alwaysgrey I'm sorry to hear you're feeling the same way, it's a horrible feeling especially when you don't know how to change things.

I feel a bit like I know what I need to do but I don't have the time, money or social skills and self confidence to go out and do it.

I joined an exercise class and I've been twice so far, I love it when I go but trying to push past the nerves to go is exhausting

@SausageSimon I feel exactly the same. I lack time, money and I'm quite shy meeting new people.
I'm on maternity leave with two young children, neither of whom are capable of conversation yet! We live in a new area and I don't know anyone - although everyone seems to know each other! I have tried baby groups, classes etc but it hasn't come to anything.
I've drifted apart from old friends who all live a long way away anyway. Sigh.

@Pinetreesfall maternity leave and parenting little ones in general can definitely be a lonely time! How long have you lived in the new area?

It's funny really because I have two really lovely things happening in my life at the minute, I have a lot to be thankful for but I can't help but feeling that these are yet more experiences I'm having alone.
What is life without love?
I'm so grateful to have a great relationship with my parents and son, but I'm so envious of those with good friends and a loving partner

@SausageSimon nearly 8 months and I still know no one. There's a few elderly people that recognise me when I'm out with the kids but that's about it! How sad is that!
I do have a DH but he works long hours and is understandably tired when he gets home just wanting to switch off completely.
I miss female friends just to have a chat, a coffee etc.
I'm beginning to be the one that talks to the cashier at the tills in the supermarket as otherwise I can easily go from 6am-6pm without talking to anyone (the little ones stare at me like I'm loopy as I'm always talking to them but feeling like I'm going nuts!)

@SausageSimon I also work from home so don't even have the interaction with colleagues anymore!

@Pinetreesfall I really feel for you working at home, for me going to work feels like a bit of a release from it all. Even though the relationships there don't mean a lot I feel like I exist while I'm there.

I'm like you chatting away to people in shops, I hadn't actually thought about it until you said!

I'm really feeling it again tonight, I hate feeling so isolated. I'd love some adult company, instead I sit alone every evening once DS is in bed. I should be happy with the things going on in my life but I just don't feel it anymore

Oh gosh same - I really miss being in the office, I was in an open plan room with 9 other girls of all ages we had a great dynamic and a good laugh but now it's just me working in a corner of my lounge. In a way I regret the decision to work from home because I really feel like I've lost a part of my identity that was 'me' and not just 'mummy me'.
Don't get me wrong from the outside it's fine we have lovely children, we're in good health, both have ok jobs, money is quite tight at the moment but that will improve etc etc and I too should be grateful but I'm just so lonely. My DH doesn't talk much in the evenings at all so I don't even get an adult conversation then!
I saw a Facebook post earlier from some of my old friends who have gone on holiday together and it made me well up - how bad is that! I just miss the company and chats.
There are local groups I'd like to join but I think I'd struggle with the kids being so young.