Lockdown has shown me how lonely I am

[EarthwormJanine]

Sorry to be such a misery guts but this lockdown has really outlined how utterly lonely I am.
I'm on my own with DC, I do have friends but we've massively grown apart and are living very different lives. I have very little family and seeing all the social distance displays and zoom calls has made me feel lonelier than ever.

I'm a normal, usually good humoured person but life has pulled me away from all things social as work and DC has taken over. I'm embarrassed by my lack of friends and social interactions, I crave this much more than a relationship but don't know where to start. My confidence is shot with huge weight gain, I don't recognise the person in the mirror and don't want potential new friends meeting this version of me. In my head I'm a totally different person, fun and outgoing, loves adventure but the past decade has turned me into an unrecognisable character.

Any idea how to get myself back?

That sounds a horrible situation to be in. I really do believe that most people see a quick snapshot of other people’s lives on social media and assume things are much happier and better for them, but it’s really not always true.

I know you don’t want potential new friends to meet you before you have lost some weight, but have you considered a online weight loss group? It could be a way of meeting new friends as well as giving you the motivation to shed a few pounds.

I'm sorry you feel this way, loneliness is the worst feeling.

Have you tired to initiate conversations?

Hey OP just wanted to give you a

It’s so easily done isn’t it after we have dc?
Our bodies change, life styles, priorities and then 10 years have gone by so quickly.

Can I make a couple of suggestions that may help you to feeling better? It’s a bit of soul searching.

Write down 5 things you want to change or achieve for yourself.
Eg:
New haircut/colour
New social hobby: dance class
Lose weight
Grow in social confidence
Learn to bake

Then break each one down into how to do it.
Approach each change with a big smile especially anything social.
It will take time, but you’ll meet new people and feel much better about yourself.

Thanks so much for your replies.

An online weight loss group is a magnificent idea, any ideas where/what medium?

I love the practical advice @Ladywinesalot I feel really inspired at the idea of breaking it into manageable tasks!

Could you try to reconnect with old friends OP? A quick friendly message from you might be welcome, and could lead to a chat and a Zoom call in some cases.