Are you single and struggling with loneliness? You're not alone - 71 per cent of singles who visit Dearest say they feel the same way.

**1\. What is loneliness?**

The feeling of being lonely is first of all an emotion or a state of mind. But there is more to loneliness. For example, an inner emptiness or the feeling of not belonging. People who experience loneliness may carry around an inner restlessness or fear.

**2\. Do you have to be in a relationship to not be lonely?**

Of course not - there are many more forms of being together than the traditional, monogamous relationship. Nevertheless, the need for love, security and sex is deeply rooted in us. On an evolutionary level, we need to be together so that humanity can continue to exist. It's not for nothing that being in love feels so damn good. Research, on the other hand, has shown that loneliness feels inherently wrong and threatening.

**3\. What is the difference between loneliness and being alone?**

Being alone is a situation when we are without other people. But it can also be a "prime time". When you are alone, you have the chance to improve your relationship with yourself.

**4\. Relationship with myself? What is meant by this?**

It may sound strange at first to talk about the relationship with oneself. But: self-love is the key to fulfilment and satisfaction. Above all, it is one of the most important prerequisites for a healthy relationship with others. The best thing to do is to find out what is good for you. Take the time to answer the following questions for yourself:

* What do I enjoy?
* What comes easily to me?
* What do I want my life to revolve around?

If you have answered these questions, you have already taken the first step towards building a healthy relationship with yourself!

Now it's time to look around: Do I like where I am right now? How do I design my surroundings? Living alone can also be an opportunity: You can design your environment right way for you!

**5\. I am lonely even among people. What's wrong with me?**

Maybe you know what it's like: you hang out with people you actually think are great, but still, this stupid feeling creeps in on you. This can happen, for example, when you feel like you can't be yourself. Here it's worth listening to yourself: Perhaps it is because of the group?

Having trouble listening to yourself and finding out what you like? Why not book a free 30-minute coaching session with Dearest?

**6\. What happens to people who are lonely?**

Loneliness can make people ill in the long term: it can affect the psyche, but it also has an impact on your physical level. Because: Every person needs closeness!

**7\. What are the consequences of loneliness?**

If you don't meet your need for closeness, you isolate yourself. And that doesn't feel good at all. Moreover, it can compound on itself.

**8\. What helps against loneliness?**

It can help to develop compassion. Because: Whoever shows compassion establishes an initial connection to other people without taking risks. A smile in the supermarket to the stressed cashier, a quick hello to someone on the street doesn't hurt, and is completely non-committal! These are very small steps that make a lot of difference afterward. They not only help others but also have a positive effect on your own state of mind.

**9\. Why does compassion help with loneliness?**

When we help other people and interact with them, we make a connection. It's as if a light suddenly goes on in the brain: someone is looking for a connection! And that immediately feels better. So if you notice loneliness creeping in on you, you should get into action and seek contact. Online communities can also help here.

**10\. Sounds all well and good. But I'm single and it's Corona. How am I supposed to approach people?**

As I said: start small! Let's say someone is standing next to you on the shelf in the supermarket and stares at the different types of yoghurt for quite a long time. This would be a chance to talk to the person - without any obligation. For example, you could mention that you often feel the same way or say which one you like best. Your counterpart gets a second opinion and you have made contact - a win-win situation! Social skills are a matter of practice, it gets a little bit easier every time. You just have to keep at it. You will also improve the most important relationship of all: The one with yourself.

This is still super abstract for you and you don't know how to get out of the loneliness trap? Book a free trial session with one of our coaches today and get advice!



10 questions about loneliness and how to deal with it. What to do when you are lonely? What is loneliness? What happens to people who are lonely?

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Single and lonely? You are not alone! 10 questions about loneliness and how to deal with it