When I feel a little lonely, I think about how hard relationships are. I just don’t think I have the emotional energy to do it anymore.

Then I find a distraction.

As far as feeling lonely in a crowd, I totally get that. Seeing happy people can be hard. I had a cry earlier this week thinking about my late husband, and I have some difficult dates coming up. I asked her what to do if I start crying again (at work).

She said to understand it comes in waves and will pass. Also, she said to make new traditions on those dates. I don’t think that was really super helpful. Then she said to get a prescription to get through those specific dates (my late husband’s birthday, our anniversary, and the date he passed, all in January).

I know that isn’t your question.

If I have to talk to people at a party, I’ll think of some questions ahead of time and try to remember details of what they said. It is something to keep my mind occupied.