Lonely and Just want to talk with virtual friends here

@ellamster
I felt close to tears reading your story. I have been close to where you are, and I finally found my answer. It was church and the fantastic women I've met there have loved on me so. My husband and I were looking for a new church and found one with a lot going on. In my case, I was uncomfortable with the young women with babies but I did give another, older perspective in our group studies. This church also had an "Over 50" group of women where I fit perfectly! We created a group called "FAB" (Fantastic Over 50) and meet in the church's open area every other month. I felt like the only person there who hadn't studied the Bible all my life, but no, I wasn't. We are all learning. We have Meal Trains for anyone who is sick and meet offsite at different homes, sometimes with a bottle of wine to talk about whatever anyone wants/needs. I worked with all men for many years in construction. When it was time to go home or just go for a drink after work it was with the guys. I didn't have women friends to sit with, celebrate a promotion or cry with about the difficult or the happy occasions. I recommend church/synagogue or a support group in your area. Check out the groups. Talk to the Pastor or person in charge of Adult Ministries. You never know, you might find more than just an earthly friend!

I haven't gotten used to the loneliness yet. I have three kids that they are all busy with their own life. I do talk to the oldest one and my four-year-old grandson. They don't really have a lot of time for me. I am 66 years old. Sometimes I feel like I'm 86. I hear being isolated makes you a little strange in my head. It's a good thing I got my doggies.😊

I am not used to it either. I have no partner and no children. I would have lived both and I did love the bad one until he killed my love. I then had the cats, four of them, and lost three. The fourth one didn't leave their sides as they were dying, I have pictures of that. And he takes care of me, always wanting to help with his entire heart ♥️

It's really all about feeling loved, being loved, and to have the feeling that one's life matters ❤️

Hello, @siackma When I lost my wife loneliness was, and at times continues to be, a challenge.

While not for everyone, I decided to begin a "To Do" list of things I hadn't been able to do while caregiving, put off, etc. Most are small, but they vary in size and importance. A few examples were to see the home our son moved to in another state, write a letter to a friend of old who I'd fallen out of touch with, touch up the wall and baseboard nicks from the wheelchair, discover a new author, et.

Then I made the pledge to myself that I'd never check one off the list without adding a new one to the bottom. Not only did I get a bunch of things done, but I found I got a lot of happiness and satisfaction from completing each one, it fought my feelings of loneliness, and gave me a sense of accomplishment. It also put me in charge of my happiness that has stood me well.

Just an idea that worked for me.
Strength, Courage, & Peace

It's really all about feeling loved, being loved, and to have the feeling that one's life matters ❤️

Where do I find emojis? Thank you.

@feliciaus I am tagging @johnbishop as he may know how to help.

Are you using an IPad? A smartphone? Or a laptop with Windows? It will help to know what device you are using.

Hi Helen, In case anyone else is curious on emojis - I think the right click menu may depend on being on a Windows 11 desktop computer using U.S. language set but not sure. Here's the info I posted in another discussion on the question:

During text entry, hold down the Windows logo key and then press the period key. The emoji keyboard will appear. — https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-keyboard-tips-and-tricks-588e0b72-0fff-6d3f-aeee-6e5116097942