Lonely in Your Relationship?

            Loneliness doesn't come from being single. It comes from being alone. People in relationships experience loneliness as often as anyone else. According to Webster's dictionary, loneliness is defined as "cut off from others, sad from being alone, a feeling of desolateness".

            Nature built this powerful human emotion into us because people are meant to be together. Without loneliness, what incentive would people have to maintain friendships, family, and intimate relationships?

            Loneliness can be a sign that it's time for a change in your life, either in or outside your relationship or within yourself and your life. It may indicate that your emotional needs are not being met by the people in your life, that it's time for you to expand and meet new people.

            Keep track of when you feel most lonely. Usual times are evenings and weekends. Commit yourself to getting out of the house during those times. Go places where people congregate like parks, church, libraries, bookstores, shopping areas. Join organizations or volunteer. Don't allow the loneliness to fester and eventually grow into something more difficult to deal with.