How do you deal with the loneliness?

[BaaBaaStripySheep]

And the envy at seeing families out together? Missing having another adult around to share the load (kinda!) and chat about the children. How does everyone deal with the feelings of loneliness? My parents are elderly and extended family tiny too so I don’t have lots of siblings/cousins etc. It’s just me and the kids or just me and Kid2 when the other is with his Dad.

Honestly I think I was just on automatic pilot until mine was about 15 and started spending more time with friends and I realised I didn’t have anything for myself that didn’t revolve around parenting.

I don’t, no family, no friends, can’t date, it’s very hard.

That sounds very hard.

I’m an introvert so luckily there’s lots that I enjoy doing alone such as painting, playing a musical instrument or cycling but I still need adult interaction lol.

I’m a single mum to 4!

It’s weird for me some days I’m happy being on my own not having to please or deal with the relationship side of being in one if that makes sense then other days I miss the little things like watching a movie, cuddles and stuff, for me it’s hard because where I’ve been let down in the past by my children’s fathers it’s made me set very high standards. I know what I want and deserve so I’m very picky and usually if I’m asked on a date I decline it too. I think also the fact I am a single mum of 4 my life is very busy and I don’t think I can at this moment in my life commit to a relationship or have time for one.

For me to cope with the loneliness that I get sometimes I’ll just pre occupy myself with housework, decorating or the garden. I make sure I see friends as much as I can too.

Also you’ve got to remember it’s not forever either, once the kids grow up or become a certain age you can kind of get your life back a little. Then you will be able to go out and meet new people etc. That is another thing I’m always reminding myself too when I feel lonely some days.