To think lonliness isn't just for the elderly

[RoastingYourChestnutsHurtsAlot]

So can I give you a nudge to swing by and see anyone you know who is on their own, not just this week, but maintain regular contact with them

A lot of focus at this time is in elderly and loneliness but it's something that affects all age groups - only younger people are less likely to talk about it

So pop by. Say hi. Have a cuppa. Just because they're Young doesn't mean they're not lonely

Yes! I'm 32 and will be on my own.

DD is 14 and feels lonely a lot of the time because her boyfriend and some of her friends at school have dumped her.

I agree, there are a lot of lonely people out there. Modern life isn't all its cracked up to be..so many don't seem to look out for each other any more.

Bunbaker could you enrol your DD in a couple of out of school activities eg dance or drama or martial arts or anything else she may like? Where she'll meet new people in her age group? Teens tend to take things to heart she must be feeling awful

I'm working on Christmas day to take my mind off the fact I'll be lonely :(

I spent a few Christmasses on my own between 19 and 23. It was horrible.
Good on you for reminding folk, Roasting

YABU, somebody posted on my FB about watching out for lonely elderly people at Xmas but they are not the only ones who are lonely. Obviously it's important that people look out for them but they don't have a monopoly on loneliness.

Sorry OP, I meant YANBU of course.

Sorry to hear that tartanscarf and head

Yanbu, good idea for a thread op

Thanks! I'm going to shamelessly bump it from time to time to remind folks!

Friendly festive reminder

Yes, you are so right. Lots of people are terribly lonely, and age has little to do with it.

I'm off to see my sister and her family tomorrow, but I still feel really lonely inside. This time of year really gets to me. I'm 41 and am single with no children; sometimes I feel defined by my loneliness.

I have explored all avenues Mistress and she is not interested in any out of school activities.

Bunbaker thats a real shame because it would do her good to have another outlet and meet different people she could become friends with. Its a funny age tho, they do take things to heart. You'll just have to keep a good eye on her I suppose, which you must already be doing anyway, and fingers crossed she'll snap out of it..

7% of people will be spending Christmas alone this year. And there will be many who are not technically alone but are still lonely - not all of them elderly.

I agree Mistress, but she is being very stubborn and won't do anything she doesn't want to (except study and go to school).

Agree ilovesooty

I'm dreading it a bit. DS has had his main present and isn't too bothered and dd is only a baby. But today has lasted an eternity.

Kim I agree. And Im the same with mn. (just changed nn again btw, Im a regular).

Greetings to all at Christmas.

Yanbu

I would love to set up a regulate meeting place but no idea how to start. Meet up site I know about but community centre here closed.

I could advertise.

Same here sole and I'm worried about it seeming patronising too.

YANBU.

I'm only 23 but I get lonely a lot. I find it hard to relate to people and struggle to make friends anyways so I'm on my own a lot.

Yanbu - I remember being loneliest in my 20s and as a student.

Pensionerpeep you may be on to something there. I can't drive and I know all our neighbours and loads of people on our estate just from walking about with the buggy. I normally feel very down about not driving and give myself a lot of grief about it, so it's nice to see a positive side to it too!

YANBU but I feel I can't knock on door or bring it up easily. Some watch from afar so if you are alone on christmas or any other day maybe someone is actually aware that you are a neighbour or someone they regularly pass so do not feel you don't exist to others - just this world we live in prevents some from speaking.

Also loneliness can afft those with a house full.