Weekends, Bank Holidays, Christmas, Easter et al.
Not always but that is when it can hit me.
I sometimes, not often, get lonely when i have been out for the evening and i get in, it is so quiet after being in company. I have a wash, climb into bed and lie there wishing someone was just glad i was home.
I also feel lonely when i am surrounded with couples, even if it is family members, at meals or brief visits. Or when i have parents evenings, or official dealings. I miss the person that should be next to me, on my side.
When i hear a noise in the middle of the night, when something in the house breaks, when a light bulb needs changing, when a bill pops through the door, when i get a phone call saying my child is ill and needs picking up.
When i have not seen or heard from anyone for days on end and i am lost in a world of children and not adult company.
When i make dinner, especially Sunday lunch and my children and i play games, i miss that Adult that should be on the empty seat, witnessing what a joy my children are.
I love my own company, i love freedom and space. But i also love to know that somebody is thinking of me with my freedom and space and wants to check i am ok. My lonliness always stems from situations where i feel i have evaporated.
It is definitely a mind set thing though, if i am sad in my heart i feel it. If i am joyful then i dance and sing and read alone with optimism and gratitude.