Volunteering is a great way to get connected to others and build a small support network for yourself, that’s what I did post escaping an abusing relationship. It felt a little strange at first because I was new to the pantries at the time but overtime, when I became a regular, I found myself getting closer to my volunteer mates and members of the communities I advocate in.
You can also try support workshops, virtual or in person. I regularly attend virtual groups and it’s helped so much with coming out of my shell and being more vocal as an introvert. It’ll take time of course but it’s definitely worthwhile, you just have to remain open to opportunities that present themselves to you.
It seems like you're in search for a community. As a resident of a big city, I've stumbled across many hobby clubs offering a wide range of activities. From book clubs to cooking classes, photography clubs to hiking groups, the list is endless, really. However, if stepping out isn't your cup of tea or if you're unable to do so, there are a lot of online interest clubs.
@Mitchel I'm sorry to hear about your past relationship, but it's inspiring to see how you've managed to turn your life around! Your idea about volunteering is something I hadn't considered before, but it seems like a great way to meet people. I've always cared about helping others, and perhaps channeling that energy could bring something that’s missing in my life. I'll definitely look into local charities or organizations where I could lend a hand.
@Carolina I get where you're coming from. I joined several online communities related to my interests a while back, and the discussions just felt superficial. That’s just not for me.
@Anon1m No need to be sorry. I got out before the abuse got worse, but if it’s anything else I got from that shit-show, it’s a newfound sense of appreciation for the little things and love for life. Community aid is something I’ve been passionate about my entire life but it wasn’t until then I was able to pursue it more actively. Volunteering is one of few things that saved my life and will continue to encourage others who might be struggling to at least try it. I hope you find the same fulfilment and purpose in volunteering that I did, and that you’ll be able to build longterm, life lasting relationships 🌱
It's truly disheartening how common this scenario has become nowadays. We live our digital lives that we've forgotten the art of genuine, human-to-human connection. We're living in a world that's more connected than ever before, but somehow we're feeling more isolated. It's a paradox that's becoming all too common. Communication is so important, yet a lot of people are just lonelier and lonelier.
Unfortunately, I can relate. The sense of nostalgia for the "good old days," as we often refer to them, can be overwhelming for me. During those times, establishing connections was as simple as initiating a conversation with a stranger at a coffee shop, a park, or anywhere really. People back then were more present. There was a sense of community that seems to have evaporated in our current digital age. Back then, neighbors knew each other by name, children played in the streets without fear. Can’t imagine it being the case nowadays.
@Joseph And don't even get me started on the lack of privacy with social media. It's ironic how we're all so concerned about our privacy, yet we willingly share every little detail of our lives on instagram. We've become so desensitized to the idea of privacy that we don't even realize the implications anymore.
@Joseph I too remember when things were simpler and less chaotic. Back in the day, we used to actually talk to each other, not just send a quick text or an emoji. Conversations had depth and meaning, and you could truly get to know a person.
@Hopeless I couldn't agree more..It's a strange feeling, being so exposed yet feeling so alone. It's a confusing, and often suffocating. It's all about "sharing" and "connecting" now, but are we really connecting? It feels like we're just curating a version of our lives for others to see, rather than truly sharing our experiences. People are getting further and further apart. And then we ask ourselves why are there so many anxious people in the world today? Because we feel like there is something wrong with us, although for the most part we are experiencing the same things that 99% of the population is also experiencing. We're all more alike than we realize..
Hi,
Reality of relocating to a new place can some times not turn out to what we had expected. This leads us to feel depressed, lonely but do understand it is natural and common reaction to moving to new place. Just don't lose hope. You can manage this. Following are few ideas of managing it. Try and see if it works for you.