[UCLAFan]

I stay at home a lot. But when i go out it's alone to. Then i run into rude jerks that have to mention i'm alone.I don't at times won't to go out any more. Because i don't want to deal with people that point out the fact i'm alone. I feel lonely as it is. Why do folks have to make comments? Nobody hardly ever invites me to do stuff with them. Unless it's for them.

[Direction]

And if you don't bump into anyone who feels the need to share you think everyone around you is thinking it.

It is tough to get out...when you are feeling this way.

One year I had a Halloween Party at my place - I never use to have company come over...when I was married the house was a disaster. Maybe hosting a small even might help?

[jenniferever]

I am alone all the time. It is both good and bad. I shut down and watch Northern Exposure (I have all 6 seasons on DVD).

[Wants2Fly]

Me, too, alone too much -- and darn comfortable with it. Which seems a tad dangerous, too. No one that I know of suggests that isolating like I do is a good thing.

[Perna]

I've just joined a drop-in "group" event (Curves exercise center) and am finding it useful in getting to know a few women, at least see them same time/same place and "talk" a bit. I am finding it good contact and practice and yet it's totally under my control. It's just other women and everyone is "alone" and coming and going at their own time, etc.

[SecretGarden]

My gym has saved me in many ways. I just keep going and going and going.. and I feel better after the activity. Also, I get to know people there if only to say hello or say more.

That's a great idea with the gym. Even with a class of a subject of interest is good but that's a lot more structured around someone else's scheduling.
UCLAfan, you're not alone in spending a lot of time alone. There's nothing wrong with it unless it really bothers you like it really seems to be. Whoever these people are who are making you feel bad about being alone either have a strange, round about way of showing compassion (they feel bad for you)or they are real jerks for putting you on the spot and making you feel bad about it. Friends usually want to set you up with someone if they see that you're alone alot. You know? "Hey UCLA, I know this guy/girl whom I think you'd get along great with...."
That's what friends do or at least try to do-even if it's posting an ad on an online dating service.
Know what? I think you should go and join a gym or become a regular fixture at a park, bookstore/library or take a class and meet new friends-REAL friends who won't make you feel bad when you're already feeling bad enough.
((((((((((UCLA)))))))))))))))) You can come hang out with me and my dogs if you'd like.

[Copper]

I can relate to the being alone too much.

I had my world turned upside down when I was laid off. I have been sitting around for 3 months trying to find a job and living off my savings and unemployment.

No money to do the things I am used to or eat the same foods. I know I should get out more, but am at a loss.

[SecretGarden]

Hi there.... I was on earlier while at work and well I am still here but winding down. I have been depressed a bit lately and know that when I am depressed it is indeed difficult and the times alone seem to SEEM larger cause I am thinking... wow I am so ..... ing depressed.... etc...

I suppose lately I have gone to gym lots because it feels an emptiness for me. I guess it fills up time and I do get the endorphins rolling a bit. I do also see people there.

I have a sister that I can call when things get rough but try to not over use her... and try to divert sometimes to something positive with her when I am feeling my better times. I also might make dinner for someone.. and deliver it. I am hoping to start collecting stuff for a yard sale. That takes the mind of things. I am waiting for my meds to click in better and to think things through. So hope that might be the case for you.

I wish I had more answers but I just would say that I understand. I also know that if I do not get myself outside even for a drive or fresh air or a walk, etc... I am just going further down in the sewer. It helps to divert my attention from myself and my woes.

[UCLAFan]

It at timer really bothers me. At night i feel more lonely than during the day.