10 tips for reaching out and building relationships

Talk to one person about your feelings.

Help someone else by volunteering.

Have lunch or coffee with a friend.

Ask a loved one to check in with you regularly.

Accompany someone to the movies, a concert, or a small get-together.

Call or email an old friend.

Go for a walk with a workout buddy.

Schedule a weekly dinner date.

Meet new people by taking a class or joining a club.

Confide in a counselor, therapist, or clergy member.

I try to stay busy- I will fall in a deep dark hole if I just sit around and let my brain take over...even though that hole is sometimes the only place I want to be.
Do a big project around the house or offer to help an elderly neighbor clean out her fridge. Set a goal of something you want to accomplish by the end of the weekend

WishKittie, Your ideas sound so easy in principle and awesome by the way. I am so closed off. Not sure how or when I got this way. The walls I have built are so high. The volunteering sounds possible, maybe at a no kill shelter? I tried that once but it turned out to be a kill shelter and I am too kind hearted.

Thanks for your suggestions as well SunnyCat. Can't seem to get out of that hole. It's just me, no children, no significant other and with the upcoming holidays, it makes it even harder.

I found these other suggestions for coping:

Get busy
Keeping yourself busy is a really effective way of dealing with loneliness. If youre in a situation where youre bored or cant find a job, volunteer with something you care about or think you might be interested in. Feeling needed and useful is really important sometimes.

Know youre not alone
It doesnt mean theres something wrong with you. For example, leaving secondary school or college to do something new can be a scary time for everyone. Being unemployed is also stressful . Life feels very different and the future is uncertain. Remember that everyone goes through lonely periods in life.

Boost your self-esteem
A lack of confidence can hold you back in social situations. Meeting new people can be stressful when you dont feel good about yourself. Think of one thing about yourself that others admire, and build on that. See meeting new people for more.

Explore your interests
Taking up a hobby youve always wanted to get into can help you combat loneliness and isolation in different ways. If youre on your own in a new place it can be a great way of meeting new people and making new friends. If youre feeling lonely for no obvious reason, taking up an evening class or sport can help take your mind off it.

Enjoy your own company
It might feel weird at first if youre used to being surrounded by other people. But spending time alone can be really liberating. The freedom to be alone with your thoughts can be a great way of winding down. Its important to try and feel comfortable with just yourself for company.

Try not to worry
Feelings of loneliness often come and go during life. Sometimes the best thing to do is accept your feelings and remember youll probably feel better after a while.

They are similar to the ones before but you have to decide what works best for you.

Take Care :)

right now all i have is this site and great people on here...don't forget to send someone a hug or try to offer your experience to someone in need

How about reading books? It helps to keep ur mind of things and keeps u busy. I am not sure if u are religious but how about joining a church? I agree also with taking up a hobby.

Well first of all, you can't go wrong being here with us! :-)
And I think volunteering is a great idea. Most of the SPCA's are now no kill shelters. I worked for the SPCA in San Diego for over a year and I just loved it. I started out as a volunteer. What is greater then working with what you love the most, animals!!! That is how it was for me. If it wasn't for all of my health issues, I would still be working there. Or here as it is. And welcome... You will get a lot of support here.