An Outgoing Lonely Soul
Loneliness is often associated with introverts, but it can also be felt by extroverts. As an outgoing individual, I never thought I would feel lonely. However, life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at us.
Discovering My Loneliness
I first discovered my loneliness when I moved to a new city for work. I was excited to meet new people, try new things, and explore a different culture. However, I soon realized that making real connections was not as easy as I had thought. I joined clubs, attended events, and went out to bars, but it seemed like I was always on the periphery, watching everyone else having fun and making memories.
The more I tried to fit in, the more I felt like an outsider. I was surrounded by people, but I felt alone. I longed for the kind of friendships and relationships I had back home, where it felt effortless to connect with others.
The Struggle to Talk About It
Admitting that I was lonely was difficult. I feared that people would think less of me for not having a vibrant social life. I put up a façade of happiness and contentment, but inside I was struggling. It wasn't until I confided in a close friend from back home that I realized how common my struggles were.
Sharing my feelings was a relief, but it didn't immediately solve my loneliness. I had to take proactive steps to address it. I started by focusing on building stronger connections with people I had already met. I invited people for coffee, brunch, and other activities. I also joined a support group specifically for people who were struggling with loneliness. It was comforting to be around people who understood what I was going through.
The Path to Self-Acceptance
Through my experiences with loneliness, I learned an important lesson about self-acceptance. I realized that my worth was not tied to the number of friends I had or the number of social activities I participated in. I was worthy of love and belonging, regardless of my social status. I also learned to appreciate my own company and to find joy in solo activities, like hiking or reading.
Being an outgoing lonely soul is not easy, but acknowledging and addressing my loneliness has allowed me to grow as a person. I am more empathetic, open-minded, and self-aware than ever before. And while my journey to self-acceptance is ongoing, I am no longer weighed down by the fear of being alone.
