Feeling lonely

[lonelymummyof2]

Hi,

I'm new to MN - well, to the LP section anyway - and feeling very lonely.

Really compounded by the weather because I'm struggling to get out and about.

I live miles from my family and friends. Moved here to be with my partner, but he's not here anymore.

So, I'm on my own with two kids, no job, no childcare, no real friends...

I feel so guilty about feeling like this. I don't have real money worries but far from rich) and my kids are both happy and healthy, but I never go out if it's not with / for them. Playgroups are my only social occasions now.

Just wondering what the rest of you do / how you manage?

Sorry hear about your loneliness. It gets all single parents at times.

Weather is rubbish for people who are a bit isolated already. It won't last forever though!

I tell myself that the only person who can stop the loneliness is me and so I take steps. Make friends at the playgroup, invite people back to yours for a coffee, join a group/ activity, something you like doing. If money is not a huge issue then find a babysitter, look online for local babysitting services or put an advert up in a shop etc.

If I really can't get out I immerse myself in a good book, film, go on MN or call my friends. I've also sought out friendships from other single mums, so we can hang out together.

Usually I fight the feeling, then other times I simply let it wash over me and pass. After many years I've learned to enjoy my own company and now relish it sometimes.

Oh honey you poor thing! My husband and I moved for his job in October 2008 to a place where I knew nobody! I was a member of the NCT though and once I let them know my new address, their local secretary rang me and told me about all the things I could do with my toddler and pretty soon I had lots to keep them and me busy and therefore my mind occupied and not focusing on the loneliness but I still spend too much time on Mumsnet or Facebook I think to ease the boredom and loneliness even now!

Ironically my husband got made redundant and we had to head back to where we used to live, by that point I was just starting to get many friends down there from mums and toddler groups! I know I'm not single but my husband was rarely around and away a lot and impossible at actually answering his phone, so we didn't speak much either. It is hard. There are support groups on here though for single families. Could you move nearer friends? Although a complete hassle?