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

Dixie it's definitely not pathetic to want to be with your family - that's what life is all about isn't it! We bring them up, equip them with a secure base from which they can launch themselves into the world and do the same for their own families. Missing their daily presence is natural - but aren't we so lucky with the communication set-up we have today! And isn't it great that you can travel distances to see yours - I bet they love your visits. I hope you're feeling a bit more cheerful now.

Radio or tv

I agree a walk if you are fit works wonders.It is difficult to return to an empty house.I would tend to leave a welcoming light on and either the radio or to on to welcome me home.
May I also add sometimes it is easier to come back to an empty house than one where there is disharmony.To me that is worse.

A dark house is so lonely to return to. I tend to leave a lamp on too. A bit of comfort when returning home. Peaceful evening to all and pleasant dreams to all.

Borrowbox might be worth a look. You borrow a book from your library to listen to. It's free and fills a bit of time. Like reading but without the effort!

My late Mum used to say coming home to an empty dark house after my Dad died was the worst,loving thoughts to those of you going through that now.
A trip to the farm shop for eggs and bread today then just the usual housework and cooking.
It’s getting a bit windy here so hope my outside lights and door wreath stay intact.
Our eldest daughter who has a severe heart condition now has a chest infection so we won’t see her before Christmas now ,just hope she feels better soon,we do worry about her.
Youngest daughter is also not too well but hopefully she can fly off to Florida on Thursday with her friend,the trip has been booked for ages.
Stove lit now so settling down to our evening crossword and the tv.
Hope everyone has a peaceful night.

That’s all very good, but if your curtains are not drawn, I don’t want to draw attention to an empty house by having lights on when I am not home.

Cabbie21 if I know it will be dark when I get home, I close the curtains before I go out and leave a couple of lamps on.
I think that looks less like an empty house than the curtains being open and no lamps on after dark, plus it's nicer to come home to.

Yes I'm lonely. And I feel I'm only alive when I see my children and Grandchildren who live so far away.i spend a lot of time driving on M5 and M6 to see them. I think I'm pathetic! So needy

bluebird I identify with your post so so much. You can't help your feelings. I have just accepted I am a sensitive soul and feel things very deeply. Hugs to you.

I'm starting to feel it this Christmas as I lost a family member this year, and 2 friends are unwell and another gone very quiet on facebook [worried]. Feel even more on my own than usual.

I'm usually ok but getting very tired of this very grey weather and dusk at silly o'clock and have never liked the week before Christmas much.

But as soon as there is a ray of sunshine I'm immediately outside and instantly feel better. Looking forward to seeing some family over the Christmas period too.

Glad to see this. With offspring and grandchildren living abroad and no siblings or other relatives, it is always a lonely time of year. Hobbies and walks, when arthritis allows, help, but there’s no substitute for real people!

That’s all very good, but if your curtains are not drawn, I don’t want to draw attention to an empty house by having lights on when I am not home.

Hi, I understand how you feel about coming in to a dark home so have bought a couple of plugs from Tapo.com. They have smart plugs which can be set using your phone to program start and stop times. At the moment I am using one to put my Christmas tree lights on so I don’t have to grovel in the corner for the socket.

I would love to go for a nice longish walk but although I live in the countryside with apparently several footpaths around I have absolutely no sense of direction and as I live alone now with no local friends then I think the likelihood is that I could well get lost and I'm not joking. There is a monthly walking group in the nearby village but I've been told that it's a small group and very cliquey and newcomers not welcomed.
On a brighter note I'm off to have a manicure and pedicure this afternoon which is always a very pleasant experience and makes my hands and feet look so much better, all ready for Christmas (well I may need a spot of lipo, a face lift, tummy tuck and a nice tan but you can't have everything!).

Shiela4483
Walking or any exercise produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good. 😊

Hi Everyone. Only my 2nd post on Gransnet but I love reading most of the post - can not manage all of them I'm afraid.

Feeling low today as it's my first time being without my lovely
Dad on his birthday I am 73 so lucky to have had him in my life as long as I did. He always spent Christmas Day with my family so we are going somewhere completely different
This year.. my 3rd CD without my husband also.

My blind inmy front room has broke down in the down position that doesn't help my mood.

Anyway onwards and upwards there is another day tomorrow..

Lots of love and hugs to you all xx

Lovely lovely idea, I’m in!

I don't often post here but like to keep up with the various threads. Today I am going out for afternoon tea with some old friends which will be lovely. Tomorrow I will miss my Health walk group as I am going to church for 2 of my GC school service. One of my grandsons is doing a reading so that will be lovely. I agree with those who have advocated walking. It really does boost your spirits.

What a great idea 😊 I love walking but in recent years I've had to start using a walking stick when out which means I'm a bit slow. I had shingles earlier this year which has left me with neuralgia pain which flares up regularly so I don't feel up to doing much, however as it's quite warm I have the window open while I clear old paperwork, I can hear the birds which always cheers me, I'm a keen birdwatcher, I'll be very glad when I feel able to go for regular walks again

Madelaine, I`m pleased that things are looking up again for you, TOYA!

I know how you feel Tanith. The same happened to our library just a few years ago. But it's so much better now that it was almost worth the closure, - just almost!
I went to the library yesterday and took out four more books, and as I already had a couple at home I asked how many books we are allowed to have. I was amazed when she said it is twenty.
Twenty books, isn't that great. I bit too heavy to carry though.
She said they have a huge stock, and can always get books from other branches too. I'm so glad that our library, and yours too hopefully, is alive and thriving and well supported.
I often order books online. Do you do that?
Have a happy day.

I wondered about that yesterday. Finally yesterday I was upstairs heard my phone ping, then pinged again and then again realised it was a Watsapp call and flew downstairs and it was my son with news and the information I needed. We also fixed for myself and one of his sisters to fly out for a visit in May.
I don’t think he realises how much I still miss him he’s the baby of my children and has lived abroad nearly 15 yrs has a lovely partner and 2 children but I miss him a lot. They only get over here every 2 yrs and I find flying alone daunting but I do it to maintain a relationship of sorts. He’s always so busy and not good at contacting me. But hey ho it’s never going to change. Sons!!
I’m going to a Grt Grandsons Christmas concert today with a Granddaughter he’s only 5 so his first year at school I know it will bring a tear to my eye, I’m so lucky to see my Grandchildren and now my Grt Grandchildren grow up not everyone gets that privilege.
Devine do come back and see how your lovely thread has thrived.

As the weather not too bad going for a longer walk this morning. Fancy a decent walk. Lifts the mood. Busy few days ahead. Happy day everyone.

Allsorts. Yes where is she? A bit strange?

Have I missed something, but where is Devine? She wanted uplifting posts as was feeling lonely as i know i do sometimes.
Devine, we all have bad moments, but now I only allow myself
A short time and then i do something, anything to get out. I go for a coffee or a meal, walk. I chat on here. Look forward to you coming back,