Step 3 to leaving loneliness behind: Seek out others

I’ve dealt with loneliness at various points in my life, but each time I’ve failed to seek out others who may share my interests. Part of this is due to the fact that I wasn’t aware of the concept of setting up an action plan. If I had known about that, I imagine I would’ve done a better job of finding a place that I felt I may have a chance to meet others.

I did things that I thought I would enjoy (leading historical tours, writing classes). Yet they weren’t opportunities that allowed me to interact with many people. They are activities that are solitary in nature. I should have thought about activities that were both things I wanted to do and that were in a group setting that would’ve allowed me to meet new people. I did try this on occasion, such as my stand-up comedy classes. But I didn’t find that the individuals had much in common with me beyond the fact we were taking the same class.

On occasions I have met people who I may share some things in common. Yet what kept me from succeeding with attempts to meet others is my lack of optimism that there were possibilities of friendship. And that has to do with the final step in the EASE method, expecting the best. I’ll write about that in the next entry.