“Feeling Lonely? Let’s Chat and Support Each Other”

I like this thread for encouraging people to express their feelings when they feel down and bringing people together for for general chit-chat. As Jeanathome has rightly said, "It's OK to struggle at any time of year."

It also makes for a nice change of tone as the thread I probably dip into the most is News and politics, which is all very dreary at the moment with people venting about the Government and politics in general. I understand their frustration though!

I hope this thread continues and I am sure the OP will be back when she sees how many other people have posted.

I hope everyone has a pleasant time over the Christmas period, whatever they are doing. This year DH and I are on our own at home for the first time in years and we are looking forward to pottering about and a long walk somewhere in the London area on Christmas Day, weather permitting.

Managed to get to M&S today, hoping to stock up with a bit of fancy food for Christmas. The food hall was jam packed with people and twice a trolley was pushed into me from behind. If that wasn't bad enough, I couldn't believe how the prices had jumped up since I last went there. I'm on a tight budget, so sadly went home with three items in my bag, feeling sorry for myself.

I’ve been out to Tesco and then my Granddaughter asked if I’d go to Lidl with her. She buys such good food I was really impressed with her choices. Then we popped to another store she wanted to buy a present for her Mum. It was 2pm before I got home and wondered what to have for dinner so I’m making a corn beef hash pie I used to make it for my husband and it’s been 6+ yrs since I last made it. I’ll have with broccoli.
I do agree that the shops don’t cater for one but I rarely buy ready meals and I cook meals I can portion and freeze problem is my freezer is small so I soon run out of space. When I move I intend on less fridge more freezer compartments.
Enjoy your evening all.

We have had sleet and heavy rain all day here which has stopped me getting out for a walk. I just had a short trip to the post box and got soaked.
I have drawn the blinds now and put my Christmas lights on so it feels cosy. It's been a lazy day as most of my jobs are done and presents wrapped. I really must do more tomorrow and not be so idle.

not only M&S most , if not all, shops do not cater for one person.. However, I love M&S

Cabbie I've noticed that too - they really don't cater for the thousand and thousands of people who live alone. But having said that, their fruit and veg are always so fresh, which gives them a longer shelf life at home.

I took a bus to the next town to go to the bank, and to the newly refurbished M&S Food. I didn’t notice much difference from how it used to look really.
I struggled to find anything in the right sort of quantity for one person, or two, to freeze one for later. All the special food is in quantities which are suitable for families or a party. As usual I did not enjoy the experience..

It's colder here in Devon today. But bright. So I'm risking hanging some washing out.
I've got too much to do today and so have made several lists and will try to stick to them.
I put lots of lights up yesterday but have run out of batteries for now. My tree is lovely now. Small but lovely.
Hoping everyone has a happy, or at least, a peaceful day.

Looks like it is going to be a lovely bright day today. A bit cold though. I do not mind as I will put on extra layers. If our little grandchild is still poorly we will only be looking after then this afternoon. Awaiting to hear whether they are going back to school or not. I am so pleased we live near enough and are well able to look after poorly grandchildren but do find it makes you more anxious than when you were looking after your own children. As free this morning I we will head out by 9 for a good walk. We did manage a walk last night in the dark once we were free. It was lovely seeing all the lights people have displayed. i always appreciate the effort other people make to decorate their homes and gardens which allow everyone to enjoy. Some brilliant garden displays around me! Wishing everyone a happy day whatever you are doing.

polnan

As some others have said, this thread is so very much appreciated, I don`t often post, but I come here, and it may not sound so appreciated but I get a real lift from reading that in fact, despite feeling like this.. I am not alone..

I get out, I have some "friends" who I can have a lunch with, I get to church Sunday morning, but so many, many changes, new vicar, changing everything at church, not a Pastor, more a ... well "no comment"

My dh died just before covid came out, I wonder if I have ever allowed myself to grieve him.. I am getting older and not so spry either physically and mentally, but hey,,, so people reply "I`m fine" when we ask after them.. Do I sound a misery? I am not really, just struggling,,, so thank you each and every one for chatting on here... a wonderful place to come...

It's OK to struggle at any time of year.

Polnan you're just like the rest of us - getting on with life after bereavement. So no, you don't sound a misery at all. There are good days and bad days - and then there are the 'flat' days when Christmas and New Year are over and we resolutely pin the smile in place. I read somewhere that it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown! As the world's laziest person, I like that 😁. Have a good day!

As some others have said, this thread is so very much appreciated, I don`t often post, but I come here, and it may not sound so appreciated but I get a real lift from reading that in fact, despite feeling like this.. I am not alone..

I get out, I have some "friends" who I can have a lunch with, I get to church Sunday morning, but so many, many changes, new vicar, changing everything at church, not a Pastor, more a ... well "no comment"

My dh died just before covid came out, I wonder if I have ever allowed myself to grieve him.. I am getting older and not so spry either physically and mentally, but hey,,, so people reply "I`m fine" when we ask after them.. Do I sound a misery? I am not really, just struggling,,, so thank you each and every one for chatting on here... a wonderful place to come...

Lying in bed now browsing on my iPad. I made 4 apple and blackberry crumbles this afternoon, 1 for my daughter 2 for my freezer and my Granddaughter was here for dinner so we had the last one for dessert with custard. All the fruit was foraged locally and I still have more bags in the freezer. I love blackberrying I’m always amazed when people walking past say oh! I didn’t know they were edible.
We’ll time for sleep everyone have a peaceful sleep.

I had a lovely day planned. Meeting my daughter and granddaughter and going round the local garden centre to look at all the sparkles followed by a cosy pub lunch, but my little granddaughter wasn’t too well so we didn’t make the pub and she fell asleep on mum when we got back. So I fetched a ‘Greggs’ lunch and I sat and chatted to my daughter for a while. All was calm and bright. So it turned out well in the end.
Lovely to read all your thoughts and plans.
Thoughts with those missing their family and friends. It’s always a reflective time. X

A wet day here but really mild.
Morrisons delivery earlier so well stocked up now .
Delivered cards to neighbours and this evening the local Rotary Club float was in the road fund raising with Father Christmas.
Still not feeling very Christmassy ,eldest daughter not well so as I am vulnerable to infection we won’t see her now til after Christmas.
Youngest daughter is off to Florida with a friend until New Year,feeling a bit abandoned but trying to count my blessings.
This gentle thread is much appreciated,wishing everyone a peaceful night.

Hello everyone. It's dull here in Devon today. I put my Christmas tree up yesterday, later than usual for some reason.
Today I will install lights everywhere, on the tree and on the windows etc. This involves climbing my little step ladder, so it may be goodbye everyone... .
Meanwhile, wishing everyone a happy day.

This is a lovely post.
Yesterday I had a phone call from a cousin and we are going to meet after Christmas. That’s good as I am fond of her.
A bit worried about DD as her relationship seems a bit wobbly and I can’t bear to see her unhappy.
The sky is grey today which is depressing but I will definitely go for a short walk later. Lots of paperwork to catch up on. Must really get around to sorting out old photos too.
DH is doing some DIY so will keep out of his way today. If I’m here he keeps stopping for cups of tea and I just want the job finished! Wish I could do it myself!

Yesterday my grandson came after school for tea. He had requested sausage and mash, but had forgotten and had had sausages for lunch! He used to come regularly once a fortnight but not recently, as things have moved on now he is in the Sixth Form. It was lovely to spend a bit of time together. His mum collected him to go on a run with the local athletics club. Their route included seeing as many Christmas lights as possible. I might do the same by car another day!

So sorry to hear about the loss of your cat Mandymoo. Cats Protection run a helpline called ‘Paws to Listen’. www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/grief/paws-to-listen
I phoned them when my beloved 17 year old Jasper died and they were so kind and understanding. Thinking of you.

Still no word from Devine? Is this really concerning? She reached out but has not interacted with us at all. It maybe she just wants to read posts and not post herself. Hope this is the case and she is ok. Busy day today. Concert for grandchildren and just had txt to say other grandchild not well so going to look after them. Dentist this afternoon. Need to do a Tesco shop as well. Kind happy wished to everyone!!

Madeline you little trip to Swaledale sounds so peaceful. Nice to spend some quiet time thinking about your DH.
This is my first winter on my own and I don’t like the dark days. Never bothered me before but now it makes the days seem longer.
Nice idea for a thread just to pop in and chat anytime. Hope everyone has the best day possible

I’m so enjoying reading all the little details of your days, some I identify with so much. Keep posting.
Oh my! watching my 5 yr old Grt Grandsons nativity yesterday was so joyful we got seats directly in front of him and the pride on his little face that he knew all the words and actions brought tears to my eyes. He had told his teacher he didn’t want a speaking part but was happy being a ‘woodknocker’ ???? Banging blocks of wood in time to the music. 😂 The whole thing was wonderful apart from one bloody mother trying to video when everyone was warned several times no photos or videos, the head literally had to stand in front of her before she was persuaded to stop 🤬 there’s always one!!!

Oh Madeline, what a courageous person you are, I shall never moan again about my problems. I came home yesterday to find water running down my kitchen wall from the flat above. I was lucky that the plumber was still working there and stopped it once I went and told him. Now have stripy kitchen wall and ceiling but is drying out slowly. Had similar problem in bathroom a couple of month ago, think they should get a better plumber. Another job to sort out next year.
Enjoyed all the chats everyone posted,
Really good idea.

Dickens - thank you for your response. I have always been the "queen of lists" but for some unknown reason I have stopped making them recently - time to start again I think! I always feel I have achieved something when I can tick off things on my list. Actually managed to speak to my GP on the phone this morning and got a prescription for antibiotics for my sinusitis so hopefully that will help.
Feeling run down, unwell and missing my SAD lamp (currently somewhere in one of many packing boxes) combined with the looming anniversaries of loved ones in a couple of weeks have all rather got on top of me.
I know I do have a tendency to imagine the worst and catastrophise eg it is very stormy tonight (gale force winds) and I am worry about the static caravan I am in. It is in the most sheltered spot in the entire park but of course I am imagining it being picked up like a scene from the wizard of Oz!

Lovely idea. I have had a couple of down days this week and would have loved someone to converse with, even just to discuss the weather.