Feeling very lonely

[Pantspangles]

I have a small family (mum and stepdad live locally, see them a couple of times a month). Two or three cousins a few hours drive away that I see once in every few years.

A small circle of close friends- I know they would support me in an emergency, as I would them. I might see one or more of them once a month, unless we bump into each other at kids events.

Three dc aged 18 15 and 9, split from their dad 7 years ago.

I work full time and I’m exhausted at the moment and feel so very lonely. I’ve managed to be positive and pretty good (I hope) at being a single parent for the last 7 years but at the moment it’s overwhelming. I desperately want some human connection that’s just for me, for someone to get me- someone to think I’m slightly cute for wanting a fancy sweet jar for the Xmas chocs or for me to buy their favourite coffee when I see it on offer. Someone to be nice to and someone to be nice to me.

I’ve always loved Christmas but not this year, I’m really dreading it.

I’m sorry you’re feeling so lonely at the moment. It’s only natural to want that connection with someone.

Could you arrange a Christmas night out with your friends to give you something to look forward to?

I’ve not got a lot of experience but would you
be tempted to try online dating? Even just going online and chatting to others might give you a bit of a boost?

@Hiddenvoice thank you so much for your kindness. The odd thing is that I am such an upbeat, happy person normally and the last thing anyone would ever think if they talked to me was that I was lonely or missing human connection. I just don’t know how to drop that persona.

Good idea to arrange a meet up. Everyone is so busy that we haven’t sorted out our normal Xmas night out- I will take the bill by the horns!

You don’t have to drop that “persona”. You can still be happy and upbeat and at the same time wish for or desire a close romantic connection. But it’s also worth remembering a romantic connection is only one of many kinds
of connection (and except for a lucky minority) isn’t usually the most stable.