ImAPenguin13
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Here's to the next few months
I'm sure everyone can relate, but the last few months have been ROUGH.
I went into self-isolation living alone and starting a new job after a torturous layoff and a month of unemployment. My social past time was going to concerts. That's been a big loss. Now I'm home, alone. I spend 40-50 hours on my couch, working with people I've never met and pretending we're a team. I've been in contact 6 people in the last three months, and I feel like i'm withering away.
I understand and accept the sacrifice, but there is a toll.
I've never been lonely like this and I'm really scared, because I can't escape.
Thisisbullshitalready
This has taught me that I am an introvert. Not a hermit.
bgdream23
I started quarantine with my dysfunctional family and now I’m all alone. Better than being abused daily. But it’s hard being alone I feel u
scatter
You wanna chat, my dude? I could use a random internet friend or two.
xBenoitBallsx
Talking helps. Share some book recommendations or something. Here, try Pale Rider - it’s an account of the 1918 Spanish Flu from 2017.
darkbluegeneswilderhorses
Thanks for the recommendation!
Tento2
go outside, go for walks and stuff, go for a drive... keeping 6 ft. and wearing a mask, not going in crowds doesn't mean don't go outside.
loveinyoda
For real. Go somewhere. You can’t live on your couch forever.
ImAPenguin13
I do go outside, I do drive. I wear a mask, I keep my distance. I'm still alone.
Tento2
i see... for me a change of scenery makes all the difference when i get bored and lonely and no amount of online chatting helps.
Hairarse
I’ll ring you mate and tell you stories about a haunted western Australian mine that will make you not feel alone in the middle of the night
xBenoitBallsx
I got a good one about a cabin in the woods. A crying baby that flies overhead at night and tiny footprints in the mud with no shoes.
MiniMartimus
Can you write these down in interested
WhatYouWantACookie
Did you ever transcribe those written notes for a new post? Been a year, would love to hear some (I know you don't work there anymore)
lionel1024
Im an extrovert that loves positive social interaction, it engergizes me. I've learned I could be happy in a house by myself miles from ppl.
tinyfootprints
I use Skype to stay in touch with close friends. Seeing the person you are talking with is more like being in the same room than audio only.
IndeMike
If you have a pc just find a game to play and or find some discord servers for said game or any other hobi. Not the same as in person but
IndeMike
Can find people in random servers to just pop in and at least hear people talk.
ImAPenguin13
I do that a bit, but it hasn't been my scene. Still trying though!
ComediNyan
you might want to do it specifically with your coworkers, to actually become part of the team and all that.
narniasreal
We should be friends, because I'm a panda, so I'm black and white too. We should then try to befriend an orca.
yinkum326
Me too, comrade, me too
andrewlpres
I can relate. I still have work bc of being a healthcare worker. I started a running program. It's kept me pretty busy. Video games and Dnd.
StarcruiserCrishCrish
I'm so sorry, I feel awful for people in your situation, living alone - Glad you at least have two cats! This situation is so hard.
ImAPenguin13
Thank you. I really do appreciate the kind thought
StarcruiserCrishCrish
I know strangers on the internet don't really help, but I saw your post so at least you know you were "seen" today by a few random people.
StarcruiserCrishCrish
...and I know all of us with jobs are super grateful for them but being lonely and not even having free time for hobbies is also a bummer
getadogupya
Indeed. People seem to think introverts enjoy being alone. Most of us don't. I miss having the reasons to socialise that have been cancelled
Cubsfan9
The ppl I know who r lonely by themselves kinda situation........wasn't by there choice
ImAPenguin13
It's hard to explain if they don't already feel it. I had my calendar filled and it's all gone.
getadogupya
It's all for a good cause, mate. Hope you're in a country where things are getting under control.
ImAPenguin13
Hello from the good ol' US of A. My state is pretty middle of the road as far as spread and severity though, so at least I have that
getadogupya
Good luck. Looks like it may be a long haul for ya. I'm Aussie, and glad for the social conscience of my neighbours. Will still be... ¹
getadogupya
² ... a long haul, but we're in it together.
Sokonomi
Best time of my life for me. People usually only want stuff from me.
Zreen
Are you able to replace that with Discord or something?
Wuz314159
My job was concerts. Maybe I'll be back at work in the fall of 2021. I've been in contact with 0 people I know since March.
xBenoitBallsx
I was a DJ in bars for 10 years and got out in 2019. Bartenders, bouncers, sound/light techs, BOH, even the coat check girl. All hurtin bad
ImAPenguin13
Dude I'm sorry. I know the concert scene will bounce back, i can't picture how. 2021 can't come soon enough
WittyAttemptAtUsername
I'd recommend hiking a bit. The nature is relaxing and the solitude is more bearable when you're exercising. Also the weather is nice
spinbutton3
I miss going to shows. I love the work y'all do. Can't wait to start going again
banditoe
I live in the concert world too! My bf is an artist. Smaller shows will be back on soon, like ~50 person events. Places like.. Denver!
ComediNyan
Hey, so since you are pretending you're a team, maybe make an actual connection with them? Like a gaming evening or something?
ImAPenguin13
We do happy hours and game nights, which are fun! it's just hard having never met them and having to mesh with their group and culture.
HappyPetunia
Ask coworkers about what they do on their off time and really listen. People love that and you’ll see them as having more dimension.
Angyliqueone
Can relate. Sister posted “I miss hugs” on FB. My last hug - 3/6. She said “well I only have my husband and mother”. Wtf. Hugs to you @OP
cre8majic
most single people have had no human contact, like hugs or handshakes since February/March. it takes a toll.
KareemAbdulJabroni
Do you have a dog? That’s what gets me by, pupper’s good people.
thishousesmellslikefish
Getting out to walk puppers helps not just us but others. People like seeing the dogs and having someone to wave at.
ImAPenguin13
I have two cats, and they definitely help.
Cubsfan9
Puppers r the best ppl
lilithqueenfairy
Watch your favorite artist perform via YouTube or just listen to your favorite music. Immerse yourself in what pleases your senses.
ImAPenguin13
I've watched some Instagram and twitch concerts, which were great. It just really makes me miss the concert scene
FarOuter
Maybe you're not as introverted as you thought.
ImAPenguin13
No I'm pretty sure I am. Work and going out were how I got my social charge. That's all changed and now we're here.
WolfWings
Being an introvert, there's a limit on how much my battery can be safely "charged" by being relatively alone. Then it starts to burn me out.
ismysphic
It's really tough, a lot of people who live alone in lockdown are going through the same thing. You're not alone in this!
DooksandPooks
I’ve been single for 10 years and I haven’t visited any of my friends since quarantine began. I feel your loneliness @OP
noneyobusisness
You got any hobbies? What about video games play online?
ImAPenguin13
I don't really do online gaming. I play single player games. I also read, draw, cook, bake, etc.
noneyobusisness
Maybe playing online would help? Interact with other people who knows maybe you’ll make some new friends.
leakto
Also introverted but still have to go to work. If you need an friend or someone to play video games with theres always discord
bndsupercrispy
What are some bands or groups you like to listen to?
ImAPenguin13
Matt maeson, the lumineers, x ambassadors, the killers, of monsters and men are a few top hits off my playlists
bndsupercrispy
Haven't given any of them a listen. I'll have to check those out and let you know how it goes. Thanks dude.
BirdLady
You can make friends in all kinds of ways. Do you play video games?
ImAPenguin13
I really only play single players
BirdLady
So you play PC or console?
ImAPenguin13
Little of both
BirdLady
Ah sweet! I only have PC. Would you wanna play a co-op or multi? What kinda games you like? RPG? FPS?
BirdLady
I don't have lots of games, but my husband has more I could borrow from. Or there's the steam summer sale. I'd buy a (cheap-ish) game
killbillsexwife
Try to get a pet. And start calling people. Get on the phone to old friends and family as much as possible.
ript11
Try walking outside with mask (where there’s not a lot of ppl) It help me a lot.
DillPixels
I’d have already drank bleach if it weren’t for my cats.
lowreign
?
drduffer
This. Here: ⬆️
lowreign
?
ImAPenguin13
I have two cats, and I call friends and family at least twice a day. It helps for a bit, but here we are. Still I appreciate the thought
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LeoSalt
I'm the same tbh, it does seem hopeless as as soon you're done with people you crave more. You can overcome it, more friends is the key!
KittensCureAnxiety
Dance party. Sounds stupid, totally helps. Crank the tunes, sweat it out, then take a long ass shower and pamper yourself. Then food. <3
Solivoid
I feel you. Unless you have a buddy to hold constant conversations with about shared interests, it can be a bit difficult to squeeze that /1
LieutenantDann97
I know the exact feeling. I feel normal when I'm talking to family over the phone or playing games with a friend but as soon as we stop
LieutenantDann97
Talking I immediately feel it. Not sure if its loneliness or depression tbh
Danialhxn
Your pain receptors are under utilised. Go climb a hill daily.
Solivoid
/4 with either them, or with other people who'd help with the creative process. It's a form of a "cheat" to start conversations, imo.
Solivoid
/2 social juice outta them. I found it tends to be easier if you have someone to play games with, or if you have a hobby to talk about.
GergsJohnson
Try video chatting. I literally have friends that we just get on a call and do other things but it's weirdly helpful.
msfeatherbottom
This ?. One of my favorite things to do before this if I didn’t have energy for a full hangout would be to just “share space” w/friends 1/2
msfeatherbottom
Do your normal stuff but you get that connection. My sister is in LA & her bf is in TX-they do this all day while they work. Chat now & then
Solivoid
/3 For an instance, I committed to write a short "D&D" adventure for my group of friends, and I tend to talk about the problems I face
misskelliekel
I JUST CREATED MY FIRST D&D CHARACTER!!!
InfiniteJester90
You NEED to get out and exercise dude, guaranteed it will elevate your mood. Go for a drive,sit in a park, get some sunlight. Call relatives
ImAPenguin13
I do exercise and I call my parents twice a day. Phone calls and running doesn't really fix everything
InfiniteJester90
Certainly not. This pandemic has really damaged a lot of people’s psyches or exasperated issues we already had, everyone is handling it in..
InfiniteJester90
their own way. Yours will be different, as is mine, I’ve had clinical depression and anxiety loong before covid, it’s really easy to spiral
InfiniteJester90
Into dark thoughts when you’re sitting in your ass at home, a little too much self reflection, get out your own head and set small goals for
InfiniteJester90
yourself, it seems silly but it has remarkable effects on reward system in your brain, in turn making you feel generally in a better mood.