Reply to Madison above:
It is very painful to feel lonely.

It's important to maintain a HOPEFUL attitude and make the most of the life that one has. Who knows, one moment you can meet someone and your life will be changed in a positive way. But it's important to notice the good things in your life and make the most of the life you have. Joy is all in how you play your cards (not what cards you were dealt).

Many would say that people who suffer from loneliness need to make the effort to meet people by volunteering or joining some kind of club, etc. Or take a special interest course at a local college and learn a new hobby or skill (like art for example). There are many different opportunities to meet people. Even volunteering at an animal shelter can cheer up someone who is lonely. There are so many helpless cats and dogs that are also very lonely and they are trapped in a tiny cage. They need someone to take them out of the cage and spend some time with them. Some lonely people might benefit by visiting lonely seniors who are housebound or trapped in long-term care homes. They will instantly make a new friend and make someone else happy in the process.

Once they meet someone, it's important to be very positive. No one likes to be around a negative person who just feels sorry for themselves and bellyaches and complains about everything. Many people create their own problems because they have a negative attitude. People are attracted to those who have a positive and cheerful outlook on life and avoid people who might drag them down.

This is very difficult advice for those who are depressed or have social anxiety, etc. Some who have had a traumatic experience and suffer from post traumatic stress also have a tendency to withdraw from people. Some find it very difficult to communicate with others or are afraid of being rejected in some way, etc.

Some people are very content and happier to be by themselves. They want to avoid possible conflict or being hurt or rejected by someone. They have learned to enjoy the extra time they have to themselves by using this time productively to study or research various topics of interest, or they can be creative and develop a skill that takes a lot of time to practice. There are so many things a person can do these days and the common complaint of many who are married with families is that they don't have any time to themselves to do what they want to do. So that's another way to cope with loneliness is to focus on the benefits.

You are what you think. Happiness is a choice.

Do you have hobbies? Go out and do them. Find like minded people to do them with. Can you volunteer to help others? Another way to meet people.

Yup on all points. Re: #7, What the heck? I really love Macy's! Lol.

WHEN YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THINGS..THE THINGS YOU LOOK AT CHANGE..

I am 50. I have no one. How is these steps going to help me. Please email me I would love to know.