Are you an introvert who hates socialization, but also tussles with loneliness? We will tell you how to deal with being lonely while being a true blue introvert.
When it comes to introverts and loneliness, people often wrongly assume that introverts are well-off on their own and they don’t need or appreciate the companionship of others.
This might be true for some introverted people but as an introvert, it is absolutely natural for you to crave a meaningful connection with others.
Read: What Is Introvert?
If you are an introvert, you might not like small talk or forced social interactions, but that does not mean you won’t seek a deep meaningful connection or scintillating conversation with someone who understands and accepts you as you are!
Moreover, you might feel your need for companionship to wane or wax according to your changing life situations, such as;
- You might be grieving the death of a dear one
- You might have relocated to a new place where you don’t know anyone
- Your close friends got busy with their life or moved far from you
- You accepted a work-from-home job and now you have no human contact
- Your existing friends don’t involve you anymore in any of their plans
Whatever the case, you must know that as an introvert, it is not uncommon to feel lonely from time to time.
While solitude can be enjoyable and recharging, prolonged periods of isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. So, how to deal with loneliness?
When battling with loneliness, you need to review your boundaries and reconsider where your threshold for social engagement lies. You might have to work on bringing a balance between your need for solitude and companionship.
We will now talk about how to deal with loneliness as an introvert at length. Keep reading!
How to Deal with Being Lonely as an Introvert
Here are some tips on how to deal with feeling lonely as an introvert:
1. Recognize and Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s important to acknowledge and accept that you are feeling lonely. Trying to ignore or suppress these feelings will only make them worse in the long run. Instead, allow yourself to feel the emotions and validate your experience.
2. Curate Your Social Time As Per Your Needs
As an introvert, your needs for social interaction and connection may differ from those of extroverts.
You may prefer one-on-one conversations or small gatherings to larger social events. Identify what types of social interaction energize and fulfill you, and prioritize those activities.
You might find the below-given ideas helpful if you’re wrestling with the question of how to deal with loneliness as an introvert:
- Join a local book club
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Help out with tasks in your local community
- Join a support group
- Look up online communities that align with your hobbies and interests
3. Connect With Others On Your Own Terms
Make it a point to make your own plans and invite others to join. This way you will have some control over your schedule and you won’t be forced to do what others think is fun or enjoyable.
You won’t be regretting saying yes to plans that end up draining your energy, simply because you were desperate for some human interaction.
Enjoying doing your selected activities with people YOU choose to spend time with will also help you focus on those who matter.
4. Focus On Those Who Matter
Keep your circle small and always prioritize those who get you.
If you have one friend or one relative who understands your unique needs, respects your boundaries, and is always there for you, then hold them close to your heart, instead of trying to be friends with everyone.
5. Leverage Modern Technology
How to deal with loneliness and not compromise your need to be alone? Make use of non-intrusive communication channels to calibrate your need for interaction. With communication technology, you can:
- Send text messages to maintain a feeling of inclusion and at the same time not feel pressurized to revert immediately. The incoming tone of a message can make you feel remembered and sending a text can instantly ground your anxiety.
- Schedule one-on-one or group chats/FaceTime/ Zoom meetings with close friends or family members to maintain social connections without feeling overwhelmed.
- As discussed earlier, join online communities or groups that align with your interests, allowing you to engage in meaningful conversations and connect with like-minded individuals.
- Take advantage of the anonymity offered by chatting to express yourself more freely and comfortably than you might in person.
- Set boundaries and limits on your communication to avoid burnout and maintain your energy levels.
6. A Change of Setting
While familiarity can be comforting, it also breeds contempt. And it goes for your environment as well. If you have been stuck in the same environment for too long, it can bring on boredom and a feeling of listlessness. Consider the following:
- If you don’t have to go to an office, then instead of working from home, opt for a co-working space or go to cafes to do your work.
- Spend time in nature. Go for regular walks around your neighborhood or take strolls in the park.
- Invest in and tend to an indoor garden.
- Move things around in your home to bring variation or a change of scenery.
7. Bring Home a Furry Friend
When we talk about introverts and loneliness, pets can be incredibly important, because they provide constant companionship and emotional support without the pressure of social interaction.
As an introvert who finds it challenging to connect with people, pets offer a non-judgmental and unconditional source of comfort and love.
In addition, taking care of a pet can make you more responsible and provide you with a sense of purpose and routine, which can be beneficial for those who thrive on structure and predictability.
Whether it’s a cat, dog, bird, or any other type of animal, pets can play a significant role in helping you feel less isolated and more fulfilled in your daily life. You might consider the following options:
- Adopt a pet that needs a home
- Volunteer at a pet shelter
- Offer to take your neighbors’ dogs for walks
8. Engage in Solo Activities
While it’s essential to connect with others, it’s also essential to enjoy your own company. Take time for yourself to pursue a hobby that brings you joy, such as reading, writing, painting, or any solitary activity.
9. Participate in Community Service or Charitable Activities
Doing something for others will give you a feeling of belonging and fulfillment. It will make you feel that you are part of something bigger than yourself.
When you will help others with their problems, it will help you take your mind off of your own struggles and offer you a more empowered perspective. You might try out the following options:
- Help to clean the environment
- Spend some time at a local pet shelter
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen
- Read to the elderly at a retirement home
- Offer to help a neighbor with their garage sell
- Babysit for a friend or family member
- Adopt/Foster/Rescue animals
10. Practice Self-Care
Loneliness can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. It’s important to prioritize self-care activities that help you feel grounded and centered. This may include meditation, exercise, or simply taking a relaxing bath.
Read: What Happens When Introverts Don’t Get Alone Time? 11 Signs They Need To Recharge
11. Reach Out and Seek Support
If you’re struggling with prolonged feelings of loneliness, don’t hesitate to seek support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and develop strategies to cope with loneliness.
Nowadays, most mental health care services are easily accessible from the privacy of one’s home. You can easily book an online session and get the help you need.
But most importantly, remember that reaching out or asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Sometimes, we can do all that is there to do and still feel overwhelmed with the unbearable pain of loneliness.
As an introvert, you might have said “No” to many plans earlier, leading your friends and peers to think that they must not approach you anymore, out of sheer respect for your boundaries.
So, it becomes your responsibility to let them know when you are alone and up for a chat.
Nothing Is Set In Stone
Being an introvert doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a life of loneliness. Always remember that life changes in the most uncertain ways and so do your needs and boundaries for socialization.
It is your responsibility to communicate your feelings to the people who care about you. By understanding your needs and finding ways to connect with others on your own terms, you can learn to navigate loneliness and find fulfillment.
Now that you know how to deal with being lonely as an introvert, won’t you share the insights with your loved ones? While you’re at it, please drop in a comment down below to let us know your thoughts on how to deal with feeling lonely as an introvert.
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