There is nothing wrong with being an introvert. It doesn't mean you are shy. We are wired differently. We do not need large groups of people and endless mindless chatter. I do not feel that we need to push ourselves to fit in or socialize more. Yes we probably have more loneliness. It is best to find the right fight. Small groups of 1 or 2 people Limited socializing. Most of us introverts find socializing draining.

Friday is my long day at work. I often feel lonely because everyone else always has lots of plans for the weekend and summer and I don't because I don't have any friends and never really have. I just wish I could feel what normal feels like. What does it feel like being off on the weekend? What does having no responsibility feel like?

@Ghostwolf04 I too feel I have more than my share of responsibility and less fun than I would have liked. I sympathise with you being weighed down by responsibilities, watching others more carefree. It feels very unfair. I'm not sure what normal is.
@dahlia639 thanks for your explanation of being an introvert. I was called introverted as a child (even by parents) but now I tend to think I might be more of a loner.
@JazzyLady said it well. It's nice to have a place to converse, vent, share opinions and feelings.
Hugs to all!

Solus It is good to read about introverts. I started reading a couple of years ago. What an epiphany! As I read, I realized that's me. There's more people like me. We re normal. It is just that there are less introverts. Being a loner is part of being an introvert. Your energy comes from within. You are a thinker. Extroverts need the crowds, lights, drama and lots of talking to function. I worked with people that sang and DANCED at their desks. I prefer quiet and found them to be very annoying and disruptive. I encourage all people that are considered quiet, shy, wallflowers, loners and all the labels we have been given to read about introverts. Google introverts as there are wonderful articles out there. I am so at ease now. People can be so mean. I now know that they have a problem not me.

For me it used to be Friday nights. I used to be a partier and then I took ill. I love my kids very much, sometimes you just need adult conversation. I'm so over that now. I like my own company. I like being able to sit in quiet for however long I want, if I want. Listening to whatever music I want, cooking if I want, laying in bed if I want, wearing shorts inside in the winter if I want and singing and dancing if I want. No one saying anything about my being off key or how funny I look dancing. I used to dance VERY well when I was younger. Since then I've had two terms on dialysis, I'm on my second kidney transplant and I survived a stroke that put me in a coma. I am BACK!!!! 100%. Walking, talking, dancing, singing, walking my dog, cooking and hanging out, sometimes, with my grown children. No more wheelchair, walker or cane. GOD IS GOOD!!!! When I get lonely now, I just remember where I used to be and think about where I am now and I FIND something to do to take my mind off of that loneliness. It doesn't always work, but, I believe 8 out of 10 times is better than not finding something at all. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!! I HOPE YOU FIND YOUR SOMETHING TOO.

I think the weekends in general and especially fridays can be really lonely. It totally makes sense why you feel that way. You deserve friends and love and you always will!

Thank you Piper :)

And so it comes around again... Friday evening.
I appreciate all the comments over the last few days. It helps to know there are others that share my struggle with loneliness and feelings of isolation.
This loneliness support group is one of the larger groups on the site. A large collection of people that are looking for others to communicate with. To have a conversation, share struggles or ask for advice. If you're reading this and feeling lonely, do reach out.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!