Being on your own doesn’t automatically mean you’re lonely, but for some people, it’s definitely true.
Even if you claim you love your own company, and you prefer not being around other people, it’s possible that loneliness and isolation are creeping into your life in ways you don’t even realise. If you relate to any of the following, you may need to start broadening your social horizons so you can connect with the people and world around you a bit more.
1. You’re glued to your phone, but not really talking to anyone.
Source: Unsplash Sure, you’re scrolling through social media like it’s your job, but when was the last time you had a real conversation? If you’re constantly online but feeling more disconnected than ever, that might be loneliness talking. It’s like being at a party where you know everyone’s name but can’t seem to join any of the conversations.
2. Your plants are starting to feel like your best friends.
Source: Unsplash Look, talking to plants is cool and all (they’re great listeners), but if you’re giving them names and backstories, it might be time to branch out. When your fiddle leaf fig is your closest confidant, you might be craving some human connection.
3. You’re binge-watching shows just to feel like you’re part of something.
Source: Unsplash We’ve all been there — one more episode turns into a whole season. But if you’re watching just to feel like you’re hanging out with the characters, it might be a sign you’re missing real-life connections. TV friends are great, but they can’t give you a hug when you need one.
4. You’re oversharing with strangers.
Suddenly find yourself telling your life story to the cashier at the grocery store? When you’re lonely, sometimes any human interaction feels like an invitation to open up. If you’re spilling your guts to anyone who’ll listen, you might be craving deeper connections.
5. You’re always busy, but never really doing anything.
Your calendar’s packed, but with what? If you’re filling your time with meaningless tasks just to avoid being alone with your thoughts, that’s a red flag. Being busy isn’t the same as being fulfilled.
6. You’re jealous of other people’s relationships.
Scrolling through social media leaves you feeling like everyone’s out having fun without you. You find yourself getting irritated at couples in the park or groups of friends laughing at a café. If other people’s happiness is bringing you down, it might be because you’re feeling left out.
7. You’re comfort eating… a lot.
That pint of ice cream is starting to feel like your soulmate. If you’re turning to food for comfort more often than not, it might be because you’re trying to fill an emotional void. Food’s great, but it can’t give you a hug or laugh at your jokes.
8. You’re avoiding mirrors and photos.
When was the last time you really looked at yourself? If you’re dodging reflections and untagging yourself in photos, it might be because you’re not feeling great about yourself. Loneliness can do a number on your self-esteem.
9. You’re sleeping way too much (or not nearly enough).
Your bed’s become your best friend — or your worst enemy. Sleeping all day or tossing and turning all night can both be signs that something’s up. When you’re lonely, your sleep patterns can go haywire.
10. You’re picking fights for no reason.
Suddenly, everything’s irritating you. The neighbour’s music is too loud, your coworker’s typing is driving you nuts, and don’t even get you started on that person who cut you off in traffic. If you’re looking for reasons to be mad, it might be because you’re craving any kind of interaction — even negative ones.
11. You’re romanticising past relationships.
That ex who was actually kind of terrible? Suddenly, they’re not looking so bad. When you’re lonely, it’s easy to look back with rose-coloured glasses. If you’re thinking about texting that person you know you shouldn’t, take a step back and ask yourself why.
12. You’re spending money on stuff you don’t need.
Retail therapy is real, but if your online shopping habit is getting out of control, it might be because you’re trying to fill a void. That temporary high from a new purchase isn’t going to solve the underlying issue.
13. You’re avoiding social invitations, then feeling sorry for yourself.
Someone invites you out, but you make up an excuse not to go. Then you spend the night feeling sorry for yourself because you’re alone. If this sounds familiar, you might be stuck in a loneliness loop.
14. You’re constantly refreshing your social media.
Checking your phone every two minutes to see if anyone’s liked your post or sent you a message? That dopamine hit from notifications might be your way of trying to feel connected. But likes aren’t the same as real interactions.
15. You’re dwelling on negative thoughts.
If your inner monologue sounds like a broken record of self-criticism and worst-case scenarios, loneliness might be the DJ. When we’re isolated, it’s easy for negative thoughts to take centre stage.
16. You’re neglecting self-care.
When was the last time you did something nice for yourself? If you can’t remember, that’s a problem. Loneliness can make self-care feel pointless, but taking care of yourself is crucial, especially when you’re feeling down.
