Statistics show that 10% of us never meet socially with friends, family or co-workers. We're becoming an increasingly lonely world, content with sporadic text messages and Facebook comments. And yet, while we all have moments of feeling lonely, it's very hard for many of us to admit that that's how we're feeling. But whether we're open about it or not, here are six ways you can help someone experiencing loneliness.
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1. Smile at everyone
People are having bad days all around you. You might even be having a bad day. But there is no simpler way of initiating a serotonin spike than by grinning at someone. So next time you make eye contact with a stranger in the street, don't quickly look away. Give them a big old smile. It just might be the thing that gets them through the day.
2. Talk to a stranger
I know, I know. You were told from a young age never to talk to strangers. But some people don't have anyone in their lives, and, after all, all your closest friends started out as strangers. If you see someone sat on their own who looks a little lost, don't be afraid to say "hello", particularly if they are elderly. Be prepared to take the hint though if it's clear they are enjoying their own company.
3. Let strangers talk to you
If you're socially awkward, having a stranger strike up a conversation on the train probably feels like the worst thing that can happen. But next time it does, take a moment to think about why they might be talking to you. Perhaps they are a naturally chatty and outgoing person, perhaps they need a distraction from whatever else is going on, or perhaps they have no-one else to talk to. It takes a lot of courage for some people to talk to a stranger, so don't brush off the next person who engages in small talk with you. Relax into it and allow yourself to have a conversation. You'll both feel all the better for it. Of course, your safety comes first, so remember that you're still allowed to move away if someone starts to make you feel uncomfortable.
4. Volunteer
Many organisations for the elderly, youth, the mentally ill and disabled have "buddy" schemes in place which encourage volunteers to befriend those who need it. It could be as simple as a telephone call or a weekly visit, or perhaps they need someone to take them out for the day. You don't have to give up hours of your week to do this, but just taking a little time to say hi to someone who needs it could drastically improve their quality of life.
5. Invite your lonely friends for dinner
We all know someone who lives alone. That doesn't, of course, mean that they're lonely, but it's always worth checking. If you know someone who lives alone and perhaps doesn't have much of a social life, make it a priority to check in on them every now and again and if it turns out they really are isolated, arrange to have them round for dinner on a weekly basis. You may just find it becomes the highlight of their week.
6. Befriend the neighbours
It used to be quite usual for people to get to know their neighbours very well, but in an increasingly unsociable world, some of us find ourselves with no clue about who's living on our street. It's very likely that there's someone near you who's extremely lonely so try to get to know the people that you walk past every other day. Send Christmas cards and baked goods to the houses near you, or even throw a garden party for your street. You'll soon realise the benefits of having friendly neighbours.
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