Those people who are at peace with themselves, don't need outside influences. Friends are a bonus not a necessity. I have felt alone since I was very young. Even with a brother and mother. Friends were never a priority with me. I believe that the one thing that we as people need to work on is being honest with ourselves, what is it about ourselves that need to be improved on. When we learn to be happy with who we are, friends will gravitate to us naturally.

Lone Wolf

You’re never lonely if you like the person you’re sitting with! Most don’t like somebody that smart or self-sufficient in others I will not dumb down to others beliefs

I have barely any friends, i am very introverted/asocial and feel my best/happiest when i'm alone it so doesn't bother me that much, but I do still definitely get lonely. and when you're quite socially isolated it can be an especially deep, dark loneliness. You can miss out on opportunities/experiences that are really only accessible if you're part of a group, a lot of things arent designed or suited for singles/individuals, especially not young people's things (i am young) which makes it hard for me find ways to feel like im 'participating' in the world. Also I find you can miss out on a lot of general news/updates both locally and more general worldly if they are spread mostly by word of mouth. I don't really like reading the news as it's often quite depressing and stressful lately, so I can miss out on some things that would otherwise becoming common knowledge and that people are aware of/talking about. Loneliness isnt really what directly causes my depression but it definitely can make it harder, or the other way round my depression is what actually causes loneliness. It's tricky because I am far less anxious/mentally thrive from being alone, too much social interaction can easily end up making me worse and totally burnt out so it's a fine balance. I think having a more general sense of belonging/connection/wider community can be best for a lot of people, over just having more overall friends and planned interactions. i do hope to find a community one day that fits me well and do things like volunteering etc to get social connection that way. but i am equally excited to one day live alone for the first time too.

To be honest I love being at home. I rarely see people or go out by choice. I have friends but found those who are truly your friends will always be. If you see them, no matter how many years have past, it's just the same, you pick up exactly where you left it. Those who are not, the acquaintances, the fake friends the people who only like to be seen or socialise under certain terms or places, after a while, they never really care and will never be true friends, so does it matter that you don't see them? I prefer my family and several extended members and have a select friends but I'd still be lucky to see them every couple of years. I don't crave going out and socialising. If I want to get dressed up all pretty I can still do that at home.

He is gonna join a bowling group in school

get a small rescue dog, the most constant loving freind you will ever have,,, a small rescue dog is like a 10 mg Valium,, take away your anxiety, and train you how to take care of him/her,, and him/her you

A few things to consider: * You can be alone and not be lonely * Quality of company * Personality So it depends. I know some people who have friends and complain of loneliness, others call acquaintances friends, while some people thrive on their own. Personally I have lots of acquaintances and that's enough for me because I have a busy family life. But I know other house mums in similar situation who feel lonely and want more friendships. So loneliness is situational and doesn't necessarily depend on how many friends people have.

Acquaintances are many true friends are few these days.

I live in a lifestyle village with lots of close neighbours to talk to, most I would not call friends. Having communication with people is same as having friends relating to loneliness. Having friends is a more personal thing.

No such thing. Even the most isolated person has a link to the outside world. Someone that they are familiar enough to call a friend, even if the link is interacting because they are paid for a service. I myself have very few friends, my days are full and I can barely find time for my own pleasure. Having a large group of friends is like being “ on-call “ if you take the relationships seriously. My sisters are probably my best friends because it’s my duty to lookout for their welfare and I enjoy a lot of the same things that they do. I can trust them with anything ( almost ) lol!

Scott

Not sure. Some of friends are useless.

Ultra mega boredom.

Having no friends means having more time for one's self. However, social life is sacrificed resulting in not being able to go out partying or participating in activities with like-minded individuals. Also, not having a group of people beside family who would be available to help should the need arise is one side effect of being friendless. It's always a good idea to have a handful of true friends around to boost happiness, overall health and gain a sense of belonging. After all, we humans are social beings.

Feeling useless and not needed. But being alone is not the same thing as loneliness.

WHO NEEDS FRIENDS NOT ME SOMETIMES THEY CAN BE YOUR WORST ENEMIES.

loneleness

I moved a lot in my life and lost friends each time. If you can count a half dozen of both sexes you are lucky indeed.

No friends leads to depression and loneliness.

Depends who is defining loneliness. Being alone is different to lonleness

Having friends can be a blessing or a curse. They move or they die leaving a hole in your heart and life. On the other hand 2 of our friends moved to be closer to their children and had no friends, no-one to even have a coffee with. They were not happy, both became ill and died within weeks of each other. I'm still trying to get my head around it because it still feels so unreal.

Loneliness can be overcome I am in my late eighties and most of my friends have passed on but I like to stay positive and consider myself lucky as my younger sister died in her early seventies and my older sister has dementia and has been in a home for over a year following a stroke and cannot do anything. I keep myself occupied reading and doing crosswords and the puzzles on this site and staying in contact with my nieces. My greatest friend was my cat who I sadly lost last year, pets are great for combatting loneliness.

I like being alone them being with peoples

Also ppl can hav 100s of friends, but still be lonely.

I think if you have really good and true friends you are very luck. No one needs rainy day friends and you are better off being alone.

Less to worry about

I've never known anyone who had No friends and, even though I've lived alone for the past 10 years with my little dog, I don't get lonely. I have my Christian congregation who are like family, and I cherish my time alone. We are all so different. ;-D

don't assume just bc someone has no friends, that they are lonely? I class myself as someone who has no friends (my choice). For me the older I get, the less I need anyone as a 'friend', who mostly want want want from you, and the minute you need them they are nowhere to be seen. I can't be bothered with ppl now. I have my partner and my immediate family. Edited 29-Jan-24 18:59pm

Isolation….depression, anxiety, low self esteem……

I talk to myself, we get along fine

Depends on the circumstances. I’m a migrant from another country without friends but freedom to choose what I would do and I was contented with that. I found solitude can be a source of healing and rewarding. Friends can cause more stress for you as you have to keep up with them and time and be with them can be all consuming. There are other things you can enjoy on your own that you are not dependent on another for happiness. Edited 29-Jan-24 16:51pm

I can't imagine life without friends.

Depending on the situation really. I'm the only one left of my circle. Suicide, drugs and heart attacks have taken my closest. I don't get lonely but I do talk to people even total strangers. I enjoy my own company and set little goals that are achievable. Live life for you. Bless you forever my friend 💙💙🙏🏽🙏🏽

I think it would be rather lonely, it's nice to catch up every so often and chat with them. But everybody is different so whatever makes you feel good and happy is what you should follow.

I guess that depends on whether or not you enjoy your own company

Depending on the context of the situation and your personality and preferences, it could be a good or bad thing. There are plenty of reasons why friendships are so important, yet just as a story has two sides, there's more than one way to look at a solitary life. It really comes down to what you want.

Solitude et isolement parfois détresse.

depression

Body Oduor.

Fewer witnesses, I suppose...

Impacts loneliness health isolation

I love my own space. It's very intimate, just yourself. Don't give a rats if dishes not done, nor vacuuming etc, can lay in bed, don't have sex (best thing ever) my bed is my own (besides dem pesky cats) can run around naked in the summer (make sure you have net curtains....oooopppss) So many positives. The list is long of pros, and the the cons list is tiny...I could go on with the pros

Sad and lonely

Feeling lonely, friendless? Well, for starters don't make the mistake so many reportedly make and join some "Dating Site". If you do and you are not very, very careful, you could lose all your hard-earned savings. The instant they ask you for even the smallest amount of money Unfriend them immediately and block them, if necessary close the account and open a new one. The alterantive is to get up, get out and get amongst Real People, people you can see, can shake hands with, can have a drink- the choice is yours, with, meet up at the local pub and have a meal and a noggin! Join some local club, if it is your thing then join some religious group, any denomination will do, they will all welcome you with open arms as, currently, they are all a bit light on with friends, join a gym and attend as often as possible, like so many things once you start it becomes a habit. Some people don't appear to want or need friends and if that is their thing thats OK too.Edited 29-Jan-24 14:20pm

I don't have any friends or family near me, I rarely see anyone anytime. Maybe every other year, I might catch up with some.

We as human were not meant to live in solitude.We need people

If you sit back and do nothing it's going to kill you faster than anything that the medical profession can do so get out and do things you want to and live.

Having no family is even worse

I have my cats and children,grandchildren,great-grandchildren,a long and busy life.I have so much to be thankful for.

I like being alone as I have plenty of things to do when I am on my own.

I learned to love being alone and it has been a gift and a curse

terrible go out and make some new friends

I know quite a few people that have so many "friends" that they are busy with catching up with them all the time. They just can't be alone. I'm the opposite. I like my own company or the company of my dog much better than spending time with people I've not much in common with. Just a few close friends yes, it's about Quality not Quantity.

Friendship takes work from all parties. It's not always easy, but worth it!

Without any friends at all the absolutely worse thing that can happen is that you lose all hope. Once you lose hope most everything else will follow and be lost. Finding at least one true, real friend can save you a world of heartache. I think it all depends on what you feel is a "friend." A friend will help you out regardless of your needs. Other 'friends' are those who you know by name only and lots of steps in between. If you can find 2 real friends then you'll be all set. Friends don't just appear by magic. They have to be found, trusted (step by step), nurtured, and you both need to be willing to compromise.You've got to get out there (not in a bar!) and mingle. Try a gym, or the local community centre, or any place where people gather for a little companionship or entertainment. It may sound foolish, desperate or just plain needy, but a real relationship can be developed with a little effort.Once you achieve success, there will be help for all your emotional ailments.

Friends how true are they. Few are good most just rip you off or use you and when finished with you you may never see or hear from them

Well if one is lonely without any friends and if one can get a pet. If it is a dog you get you have to walk it and you may meet people with other dogs. My Dad walks his dog and he lets his Max play with other dogs and while the dogs are playing he's talking to the owners. They meet up from time to time. You have to take the pet to the vets. I had an Aunt in the UK and her neighbours realised they hadn't seen her walk her little dog for awhile and that was because she had died. Kind of sad but a true story. There is always some where to go or call if lonely and besides if you have a pet you are never truly alone and there is always that pet that gives unconditional love and has needs and wants you as a pet owner must do.

TY Marianne H, HAVE A NICE DAY PLAYING...

Depends on the person. Some of us are OK and even thrive being alone. I get to do whatever I want with no drama :)

Isolation, depression, lack of motivation, feeling like you are unworthy, feel like no one gives a dam about you, you feel tired and restless, mentally alone and you give up, so we have to do something to make you feel loved and worthy get out there and have some fun, don't be on your own, citizen's advice help people to find people so you're not alone. Workingman's clubs have card nights, bingo, Pool, bridge, darts, bowls, go swimming, talk to people, exercise groups, make a friend you only need one good one and you can be so much happier for it, you don't need to spend every waking moment with that person but if you need them if there a true friend they will be there for you, have a laugh or a cry then do something to live your life, everyone gets down at times.

Having lots of cats 😄

Probably depends on the person, circumstances and if they get used to it. I suspect some people can become vulnerable to certain information and ways of thinking though.

I was ostrasized as a child due to my ethnic background and as a consequence, made very very few friends. Nowadays, I prefer my own company and yes, you may say stress, loneliness blah blah blah .... but I am happiest on my own .... can choose what I want to do and when ... I have a good sized property so have heaps to do on a daily basis - only motivation is lacking on occasions..... (sigh)

Nothing

Being alone is very depressing. Join a gym or a church to meet new people or just to be around other people.

Enjoying your own time and not having to what others want. Do your own thing.

Having no friends depends on the individual some people enjoy they're own company while others put they're time to improving them selves on line and you have the what ifs. If I had a friend or if I had done differently. But a number of people over think they're situation and start imagining different things and sounds sights all unseen or heard this is where family comes in you check on each other

After my husband and I separated, I became a self imposed recluse. Just focused on the kids. So from from personal experience I can say it effects your levels of trust in humanity in general,your social skills take a dive and yes your mental and physical health suffers for it until you decide to you decide to change.

They are definiitely good to have especially to share thoughts with.

Hi Natalia, in this age of "its all about me" people have lost the art of relationship, true friends are there for the good and bad times in our lives. Being human we are all prone to making mistakes and possibly hurting one another. Make amends where possible and build up the trust and respect that has been broken. I love my friends of many years, and am thankful they are in my life. My best friend is Jesus, and then my husband. Take care , there are some beautiful people out there who are lonely, and remember, a smile can change some ones day.

Who needs friends, when we already have the friendliest people on the Rewardia boards?

We are social beings, so being without friends takes away from living a full life and being the person we were created to be.

Very sad & lonely with no close friends. Really feel it after I retired!

If you had a friend they would tell you this is poor grammar. What is no friends? Do you mean .....having any friends?

For me it's the night sitting on my own that gets me the most. Loneliness and no friends sad to say has been me .

In one sense it can be a time of loneliness, introspection, comparison, and the why me"s, and it can make you anxious. In another sense, it can be a time of inner house cleaning, via meditation, or hypnotic trance to change the negative aspects and patterns of the mind to more positive ones. Plus clearance of old behaviours that no longer work or seeking new ways tt try out new methods of finding friends.

No one to call when you have good or bad news and no one to do things with.

your never alone just open the MOUTH

I think being alone all the time leads to overthinking and worrying about things. Not keeping busy enough.

Loneliness or peace.

I have one true friend, others just used me and I no longer associate with them.

happiness

Suicide

I am blessed with friends I have had since high school. I think they are an important part of my mental health and well being for sure. I do not know what I would do without my besties.

Lots of good comments .Each to their own.

There are so many volunteering around these days. Plenty of opportunities to meet people.

Like most things, it depends on the individual person. Some people like having lots of friends with parties / coffee mornings, etc., while other people don't like that at all and are fine with no friends.

The biggest issue is when one needs someone can trust with sensitive 'stuff' to have to 'lean on'. My one friend lives too far away for us to be there for each other. I have many acquaintances, .....

Change your name to Nigel No Mates.

What do you mean by friends? I live in a lifestyle village where I have lots of neighbours I see and chat with daily but few of them I would call friends. So plenty of interaction and no loneliness. How you define friends, I guess some would regard them as friends.

Loneliness and depression leading to mental health problems

Just join your local Parkrun - exercise, enjoy being amongst a lot of nice people! Loneliness is depressing and bad for your mental health

get a dog,then you have company for ever.....

Having no contact with friends becomes an ever increasing downward spiral. Everyone needs to have someone to talk to.

HI Jann R, have a fun time playing...

I have no friends...I have been let down so many times by so called "friends" that I have lost trust in people and lost interest in trying to make friends.

I have no friends and am quite lonely at times. However, I do not have the complications of friendships. I am not a likeable people pleaser so that could be a reason for it. I have depression/anxiety and find being in social situations excrusiatingly painful. I think being alone will limit my life but Im ok with that

The effects is exactly what Natalie said I know from experience

You don't have to listen to any BS from them. You don't have to be obligated to do things for them (some "friends" are so needy that they are painful to be friends with and have weird ideas about what it means to be a friend like YOU must call them back immediately but they don't have to call you back at all, you must drop everything for them, but they don't have to reciprocate etc). You won't feel the pressure of having to take sides or stand up for your right to be neutral if friend a hates friend b or has a spat with them. You won't be pressured into choosing your friends over your family. You will have FREEDOM to do what you want, when you want it and not have to please everybody all the time. Same pitfalls of having intimate relationships without the intimacy. You can choose to be social or a hermit without judgement as you are not living your life for anybody but yourself. If you are lonely, you might want to look in why you are lonely as friends and relationships will not fix loneliness (these are deeper issues). You can only be happy in relationships when you are happy and comfortable with yourself.Edited 29-Jan-24 06:44am