Dear Dana

Your situation is not an uncommon one, but it does feel like everyone else has great friendships especially if you believe what lots of people write on social media! Do you differentiate between being alone & lonely ie you can be in a room full of people you know & yet still feel lonely or be by yourself on a mountain and feel content with your own company.

I guess we need to find our clan/ clans this is either like minded people or common cause/hobby. So look at what interests you or brings you joy and then find a group near you to join.  Also friendships do not have a set duration or intensity so look at how you define friendship & what are your expectations.

Each day I remind myself of my intentions ” May I have integrity in all my relationships” along with “May I keep my judgement clear” along with when, who, & what  When is Now this moment Who is Whomever you are with or Yourself if you are alone & What is to Care. This way I get many moments of micro friendships throughout the day and am not relying on just one source to give & receive the nourishment of connection.

I  live & care for my 92 year old father who has dementia and we try to get out each day so as not to become isolated and I open up  my home to be used for a coffee morning once a week and run to meditation sessions from here as well this all contributes to feeling connected.

I hope that you quickly find ways to nourish a sense of connection.