You Are Not Alone

by Greer Hendricks

Loneliness is spreading to more and more people, almost like a virus. These days, roughly 40 percent of Americans report feeling isolated on a regular basis—double the approximately 20 percent in the 1980s. One survey found Gen Zers (those born 2001–now) to be the most lonely, followed by millennials (those born 1980–2000—my generation).

Is there someone you can talk to?” No, there isn’t anyone, I think

The percentage of adults who routinely eat on their own is estimated at 46 to 60 percent. Some studies show that eating alone is more strongly associated with unhappiness than any other factor, except mental illness. This has never bothered me before.

Connecting with each other is one of the most essential things we can do.

I took for granted what I used to have: the college boyfriend who wanted to marry me; Mel flopping onto my bed while we talked; even the coworkers from my last job, who gathered on Thursday nights for happy hour. One by one, they’ve all slipped away.

I once read that a sincere compliment is so powerful because it activates the reward centers in the brain, creating the same reaction that receiving money does. It truly does feel like a gift.

everything I’ve been yearning for—not just lately, but for my entire life: A place to belong. A home that has nothing to do with a physical structure and everything to do with a feeling of love and acceptance.

I tried to make my appearance mirror theirs tonight. But it’s much more powerful to know that the deeper, hidden parts of us match.

“I’d thought about calling her that morning, to check in. But I got busy—I can’t even remember with what. I always wonder if maybe that could have changed the course of everything.…”

Some people contend there are two primal fears. The first and most basic is the end of our existence. The second is isolation; we all have a deep need to belong to something greater than ourselves.