Are you lonely and single, wanting to find healthy connections with other people? Just because you are single doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Indeed, there are lots of opportunities to have meaningful relationships with others without needing to be in a romantic relationship. Consider these ten ideas:
1. Spend time with your family.
Spending time with your family doesn’t mean spending all of your time with your family. However, why not take an hour or two each week to visit family, do something fun with a parent, sibling, or nieces/nephews. If you live far away from your family, consider a weekly phone call or use Skype to do a virtual visit.
2. Spend time with your children.
If you have children of your own, you will, of course, want to make sure to have plenty of quality time with them. However, you can meet other parents through scheduled play-dates or by taking your children to special events meant for kids.
3. Join a club.
Do you have a desire to practice a craft, try a new sport, or enjoy nature with other people? Consider joining a club in your community, one that is aligned with your interests or focuses on a topic that you are interested in.
4. Work out.
Physical activity can help you keep a positive mood. Gyms often have free trial periods in order to attract new clients. They also have exercise classes where you can learn new routines and meet new people.
5. Take a class.
Another healthy way to meet people is to take a class from a local community college. You can sign up for a continuing education course, which doesn’t have the same kind of academic requirements as a for-credit course. Why not learn something new and meet people at the same time? Along with community colleges, you might find learning opportunities through:
- The local library or museum.
- Wine tastings.
- Cooking lessons.
6. Share your knowledge with others.
Maybe you have a skill, hobby, or interest that other people would enjoy learning? Sometimes what we take for granted as something that we have done all of our lives, others might find interesting. For instance:
- Are you familiar with computers and programming?
- Do you know a lot about the history of your area?
- Is there a sport that you love to do, whether it is a team sport, outdoor interest, or something you do for fun?
- Are you a craftsman and skilled at woodworking, photography, art, etc.?
7. Volunteer for a favorite cause.
Volunteering can be a great way to give back to others in need and to fill a vital role in your community. These organizations can also be another outlet for you to share your knowledge and skills with others.
8. Become a mentor.
There are groups in every community that serve the needs of youth, and they are always looking for positive adult role-models. Even spending a few hours a week can make a big difference in the life of a young person.
9. Adopt a pet.
A dog or cat can be a great source of unending love and adoration. Plus there are so many animals that need a home. Check with your local Humane Society for animals that are ready for adoption. Make sure, though, that you are capable of maintaining a pet and taking care of its needs.
10. Still lonely? Consider counseling.
Are you lonely, but also feel sad, anxious, or hopeless? It could help to see a therapist for an individual counseling session. You might be struggling with bigger issues than you realize and counseling can help you resolve them.
Being single doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. There are lots of opportunities out there for people to engage, to meet others, and to develop healthy relationships built around common ideas and interests.
