Dealing with loneliness

Have you ever felt left out and alone? In this case, the Bible has some tips that can help you. But first, think about a few things you need to know about loneliness.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Almost everyone sometimes feels lonely. This includes people who appear popular. Why? Often, it is not the number of friends but the quality of the friendship that determines whether a person feels lonely. Someone who seems popular may be around people all the time, but they don't have real friends and therefore feel lonely.

Loneliness can be harmful to your health. Sometimes weak social interaction is a predictor of premature death and, as a risk factor, is twice as harmful as obesity and equivalent to smoke 15 cigarettes a day.

Loneliness can make you vulnerable. It can actually make you happy with anyone who accepts you as a friend. When you are alone you may be in desperate need of care. You may think that all care is better than no care. And that can cause problems.

Technology doesn't always cure loneliness.Texting is like a snack, while face-to-face contact is like a meal. Sandwiches are good, but it takes a full meal to be satisfied

WHAT CAN YOU DO

Best to rent. For instance, suppose you visit a photo-sharing website and see photos of your friends in a meeting that you weren't invited to. At this point, your choices are: Conclude that you have deliberately given a more positive opinion. Since you don't know all the factors, why take the worst for granted? Instead, redirect your thinking to the finer things in life, such as: B. Your exclusion. Often it is not the situation but your perspective that causes loneliness.

Avoid radical statements. When you're alone, you might think, "I've never been invited anywhere" or "People always avoid me." But these broad statements will only plunge you into the quicksand of loneliness. These thoughts can create a vicious cycle: what makes you feel rejected, what makes you isolate yourself, what makes you feel lonely, what makes you reject.

Enjoy the benefits of solitude. Some people feel alone in the face of a moment of intimacy. But being alone doesn't have to make you feel alone. For example, Jesus was sociable, but he also appreciated the value of solitude. You can do the same. Instead of seeing that being alone is a disadvantage, use a moment of silence to reflect gratefully on your blessings. It can make you an even more desirable friend to others.