Teenagers are especially likely to suffer loneliness. Here are some suggestions for speeding a recovery from loneliness.
Reach out to others, but start small. A smile and a friendly greeting for the student behind you in line at the cafeteria won't make you best friends. It also can make it easier to interact the next time.
Find a safe place to make connections. If going to the school dance makes you feel like you just don't belong, try joining a specialinterest group. Maybe it's the drama club or the marching band.
Find other ways of making connections. Lonely people hunger for acceptance and friendship. Sometimes feeling accepted and liked comes more easily when you do something for others.Teach a child in reading. Take notes for a disabled classmate. You might be surprised at the connections you make after reaching out in these ways.
Loneliness is an absence of quality friendships, not of a particular quantity of friends. That's why it's important to know how to select a friend. The best friendships are those based on similar values and attitudes.
You get what you expect, so expect the best. If you expect others to be friendly, you will behave in similar ways.
It goes away as teens learn how to find their way through their social world and connect with others.
A. But it will make you both feel pretty good.
B. So consider becoming a volunteer.
C. Some teens aren't so adaptable, however.
D. Encourage people to be friendlier to you.
E. Choose the right people.
F. For most young people, loneliness is only temporary.
G. Look for a group that allows you to join in gradually and cheerfully.
