Loneliness – Insoluble social problem? (solution, parties, elect, retired)

[fellowjoe]

I personally think that loneliness is increasingly a problematic issue that is plaguing society - people don't usually mention that they are lonely but fact is many if not all probably do.

Telling others that you're lonely is just not the social norm; by telling others that, its a signal of your weakness and a sense of desperation for emotional reach out from others. That's what my personal take is though.


So what are you guys' take on loneliness? And do you personally feel lonely? How so?

[algia]

Its because people no longer socialize at work, no longer make friends there that they would socialize with at home too, because everyone's nose is buried in a cell phone...and because people come home, close the garage door, and they're gone.

Its is insulting to society that this is what people in America have become like this. The rest of the world doesn't have this problem even though they use cell phones, and ipads there too.

[fellowjoe]

Originally Posted by algia

Its because people no longer socialize at work, no longer make friends there that they would socialize with at home too, because everyone's nose is buried in a cell phone...and because people come home, close the garage door, and they're gone.

Its is insulting to society that this is what people in America have become like this. The rest of the world doesn't have this problem even though they use cell phones, and ipads there too.

I wouldn't say that America has it worst; its like that everywhere as long as technological advancement are existent.


Gone are the days when we used to send letters to each other, walk over to our neighbours' and bring them food, invite them to our housewarming parties and stuff like that

[Retroit]

I enjoy being alone. You're only lonely if you think that other people can provide you with happiness that you cannot provide yourself. I learned long ago that other people bring more misery into my life than happiness.

[Manuel de Vol]

Originally Posted by algia

Its because people no longer socialize at work, no longer make friends there that they would socialize with at home too, because everyone's nose is buried in a cell phone...and because people come home, close the garage door, and they're gone.

Its is insulting to society that this is what people in America have become like this. The rest of the world doesn't have this problem even though they use cell phones, and ipads there too.

What's a 'cell phone'? (Actually as I was one of the people who evaluated cellular telephones in the UK in 1980 that's a silly question.)

I've got one - In fact, I've got 2! I've got one [a quad band] I use in Europe (it works in the US, but I can't get my carrier to allow me to use it) and one I use in the US.

I don't use them.

I 'talk' to people on the internet - as I am doing now- or I talk to them face to face.

It works for me.

At one time I had a job where we worked together, played together and lived together ... that was a quarter of a century ago!

I enjoyed that job. It was fun (the most fun you can have with your clothes on) I had friends and I had status (which came right at the end of a long list of reasons.)

I retired from that and got another job in which I went to work and got paid. Not a lot of fun (I suppose I could've taken my kit off and either gotten fired or gotten laid) but somehow, it wasn't worth the effort.

I still had fun - but I had to fight like hell to find it!

Eventually my wife retired and we moved to a place where the people used to do the things we used to do when we were younger and remembered about 'fun' (even though some of were in their 90's and couldn't get laid twice a night.)

I ride motorcycles ... I no longer race ... because I don't get many offers.

At this time of year I fish, I swim and I sail.

In summer, I ride in the Alps and I hike in the Alps.

Here I'm not a very social being (unless people would care to visit me ... and many do. (After all, Hopfen und Malz, Gott Erhalt's (Ich bin ein Oachkatzlschwoaf and a master brewer) and for some reason (Can't think why?) I've got lots of friends

'Socialising' is what you do. (Is that what you call it? - If you have your friends around every night (or two) what's the problem? - YPu don't have to get pissed every night?

A liter or two is not excessive (unless it's Maibock or one of my 'Winter Specials' )

[dr74]

Originally Posted by fellowjoe

I personally think that loneliness is increasingly a problematic issue that is plaguing society - people don't usually mention that they are lonely but fact is many if not all probably do.

Telling others that you're lonely is just not the social norm; by telling others that, its a signal of your weakness and a sense of desperation for emotional reach out from others. That's what my personal take is though.


So what are you guys' take on loneliness? And do you personally feel lonely? How so?

I do not believe what you are stating to be true..

How could there be an increase in lonliness when technology has offered new and more effective ways of communication? We no longer survive in a world where there is acres between the next house or one is residing in the outskirts of society?

I believe “being lonely is a state of mind” One is as lonely as they want to be..

For instance? I work with the community, I am now a tech for a specialty office, I see many people every day..,I have family, I have a son, I have a b/f..
I am over loaded with people, sometimes I actually want to be alone..to have alone time..
I am forum mod for a political forum on the net..I am member here and on FB…
I volunteer my time to the rape crisis center, I assist with the homeless..
I do not know what lonely is..
I never have…
I believe that again, one is as lonely as they wish to be, no and ifs or buts…

[English Dave]

There are lots of lonely people here in England. Especially the elderly. We had an old lady who lived next door to us. Her daughter lived down south, about a couple of hundred miles from here. She and her husband would visit once a year for a week. The husband would do little repairs to the house while here. Lots of that sort of thing here. I guess that's just the way it is nowadays. People are wrapped up in their own lives. Time was when I was a kid, children never really moved far from their parents when they married. When I was a boy, I had my grandmother, and three aunts all within walking distance. Times have changed, people are more selfish, and thoughtless than they used to be.

[Manuel de Vol]

Originally Posted by dr74

I do not believe what you are stating to be true..

How could there be an increase in lonliness when technology has offered new and more effective ways of communication? We no longer survive in a world where there is acres between the next house or one is residing in the outskirts of society?

I believe “being lonely is a state of mind” One is as lonely as they want to be..

For instance? I work with the community, I am now a tech for a specialty office, I see many people every day..,I have family, I have a son, I have a b/f..
I am over loaded with people, sometimes I actually want to be alone..to have alone time..
I am forum mod for a political forum on the net..I am member here and on FB…
I volunteer my time to the rape crisis center, I assist with the homeless..
I do not know what lonely is..
I never have…
I believe that again, one is as lonely as they wish to be, no and ifs or buts…

Well, good for you!

How amazing! - What planet do you live on?

I thought (from your previous posts) that you were a doctor. I got that wrong!

Not that that matters.

'Technology' is (or can be) a societal killer.

I live in an 'old farts' community ... a bunch of retired people. My next-door neighbour, Joe (aged about 78) plays golf every day.

I've played golf twice in my life, so I never talk to him.

The guy on the other side has Parkinsons, he never comes out, so I don't get to talk to him either.

There's a lady up the road (about 50 yards away) who's going in holiday to my home, so I sent her an e-mail (with linkys) telling her about where I live.

30 years ago you had to talk to people. Nowadays it's easier to e-mail them.

Facebook? - Eff Off! (Mine was hacked.)

It's all too easy to use 'electrickery' to talk to people ... but I'm beginning to realise that it's also a good idea to go out and visit your friends. - Like what we used to do.

[Manuel de Vol]

Originally Posted by English Dave

There are lots of lonely people here in England. Especially the elderly. We had an old lady who lived next door to us. Her daughter lived down south, about a couple of hundred miles from here. She and her husband would visit once a year for a week. The husband would do little repairs to the house while here. Lots of that sort of thing here. I guess that's just the way it is nowadays. People are wrapped up in their own lives. Time was when I was a kid, children never really moved far from their parents when they married. When I was a boy, I had my grandmother, and three aunts all within walking distance. Times have changed, people are more selfish, and thoughtless than they used to be.

Perhaps there's a partial solution, Dave.

I'm a grandfather - and I miss my grandchildren.

Could you find a surrogate grandfather/grandmother you could trust near you?

(It probably wouldn't be a 'swap' but you might find that there are some reasonable people (and most people are reasonable people ) who would love to have your kids visit from time to time.

[animalcrazy]

How can you be lonely when you have a dog? Sometimes I just prefer to veg on the sofa and watch a movie with my Howie. I'm a lone a lot but never lonely.