Alone/Loneliness

[car103]

Alone and Loneliness (lack of friends, relatives, or supportive family) is a repeat topic here. Feeling isolated which exacerbates the situation. I have this.

My morning dog walk is my thinking time. If I was in an Air B&B in Portugal on my own, who would I have? The same waitress serving me coffee? I would not be unhappy. Seeing things, trying new foods, resting, reading.....

I'm now going to work on changing my perspective. The anxiety, the depression, the isolation - this is where I am. I need to stop punishing myself. I am working on it. I have to believe it is not forever and just is what it is right now.

Has anyone taken this approach with success?

(This was triggered by my daughter having a baby and realizing I have no one to tell.)

[Blueruth]

That seems more like giving up than acceptance.

Learn to be your own friend. Be a tourist in your own city if that is what it takes. I travel solo. I was in another country for a month last year... during covid when options were limited. Usually I seek out cooking classes or other small classes like yoga. I have made permanent friends that way. If I don't no biggie... just being around people for a little while is good. You can do the same thing where you are. You'll probably meet other empty nesters and it will help your depression.