
People tend to think of loneliness as an issue that impacts the elderly or people who are socially isolated, but loneliness is more complicated than that. It is a longing for genuine social connection and not an objective measure of the number of people in your contacts.
A recent survey conducted by Cigna found that nearly half of all Americans report sometimes or always feeling alone and one in four rarely or never feel as though there are people who really understand them. Only 53 percent say they spend some quality time with friends or family on a daily basis. It is noteworthy that young people—Generation Z—are lonelier than baby boomers.
The feeling of loneliness has more to do with the quality than the quantity of your relationships. Having high-quality connections and a need to belong are fundamental. For this need to be fully satisfied, you must have a few close people in your life whom, one, you have frequent positive interactions with, and, two, who care deeply about you and who you deeply care about within an ongoing, enduring, and stable bond. Being around lots of people you don’t connect with or not spending enough time with those you are close to can leave you feeling pretty lonely.
While social media is not to blame for loneliness, people who have daily face-to-face interactions with friends and family are less likely to feel socially disconnected. Getting enough sleep is also important. The sleep-deprived are more likely to feel alone and less inclined to engage with others.
Belongingness is a need, not a want. Find a group of friends with whom you feel like you belong and make them a priority.
This story originally appeared in the May 2019 issue of Marie Claire.
READ THE FULL ISSUE HERE (opens in new tab)
MORE FROM SAMANTHA BOARDMAN
-
Prince Harry Could “Make Some Form of Reconciliation” with the Royal Family for the Coronation, Expert Says
…but it would still be “extremely difficult.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Princess of Wales Broke the Queen’s “Golden Rule” By Revealing This Private Detail
It makes sense why Her late Majesty wanted to keep this close to the vest.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Brings in Archbishop of Canterbury to Broker Peace Deal Between Prince William and Prince Harry
The King wants Harry at the Coronation; William is apparently less enthused.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Senator Klobuchar: "Early Detection Saves Lives. It Saved Mine"
Senator and breast cancer survivor Amy Klobuchar is encouraging women not to put off preventative care any longer.
By Senator Amy Klobuchar
-
How Being a Plus-Size Nude Model Made Me Finally Love My Body
I'm plus size, but after I decided to pose nude for photos, I suddenly felt more body positive.
By Kelly Burch
-
I'm an Egg Donor. Why Was It So Difficult for Me to Tell People That?
Much like abortion, surrogacy, and IVF, becoming an egg donor was a reproductive choice that felt unfit for society’s standards of womanhood.
By Lauryn Chamberlain
-
The 20 Best Probiotics to Keep Your Gut in Check
Gut health = wealth.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Simone Biles Is Out of the Team Final at the Tokyo Olympics
She withdrew from the event due to a medical issue, according to USA Gymnastics.
By Rachel Epstein
-
The Truth About Thigh Gaps
We're going to need you to stop right there.
By Kenny Thapoung
-
3 Women On What It’s Like Living With An “Invisible” Condition
Despite having no outward signs, they can be brutal on the body and the mind. Here’s how each woman deals with having illnesses others often don’t understand.
By Emily Shiffer
-
The High Price of Living With Chronic Pain
Three women open up about how their conditions impact their bodies—and their wallets.
By Alice Oglethorpe