If You’re Lonely But Don’t Show It, You’ll Relate To These Experiences

If You’re Lonely But Don’t Show It, You’ll Relate To These Experiences

Human emotions are all valid and important, but for some reason, loneliness can feel particularly embarrassing sometimes. Most people don’t want to admit when they’re experiencing it, which is silly — especially since talking about it would likely alleviate it a fair amount. If you’re someone who feels lonely but doesn’t show it or talk about it to others, these things will likely feel a bit too relatable.

1. You’re the Master of “I’m fine.”

When someone asks how you’re doing, “I’m fine” is your automatic go-to. It’s like your shield. You’ve got this art of hiding how you really feel down to a T. But inside, there’s this little voice wishing someone would see past that facade and actually get how you’re feeling. It’s almost a reflex, this smile and nod routine. You’ve become so good at it that sometimes, you almost believe it yourself, but then the silence of your own space reminds you of the truth.

2. Social Media Scrolls Feel Bittersweet.

Scrolling through social media, you see all these posts about friends hanging out or people having fun, and it stings a bit. It’s like you’re happy for them but also a tad envious. You double-tap and leave a nice comment, but deep down, you wish you were part of those pictures. It’s this weird mix of wanting to stay connected and feeling a bit like an outsider looking in. You put on your digital happy face, dropping likes and LOLs, but each scroll just highlights what you feel you’re missing.

3. You’re Always Busy… Or So It Seems.

To the outside world, you’re always busy – working, running errands, doing stuff. It looks like you’ve got a packed schedule, but in reality, it’s often just you keeping yourself occupied to avoid feeling the loneliness. It’s like you’re in constant motion to outrun those quiet moments when the loneliness hits hardest. Your calendar might be full, but it’s not necessarily with the things that fill your heart. You’re the master of looking like you’ve got it all together, but sometimes, all you really want is a genuine connection.

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5. Your Phone Doesn’t Ring Much, But You Pretend It’s a Relief.

Let’s be real – your phone isn’t blowing up with messages or invites, and sometimes that hurts. But when someone mentions it, you shrug and say you’re glad for the peace. It’s easier than admitting you wish it would ring more often with someone checking in on you. You joke about how nice it is to be ‘off the grid’ or ‘out of the loop’, but in those quiet moments, you can’t help but wonder what it would be like to have a buzzing phone full of messages from people who want to know how your day went.

6. Nights and Weekends Can Be the Hardest.

When the work or school day ends, and everyone else seems to have plans, that’s when the loneliness can really kick in. You might spend nights and weekends alone, binge-watching shows or diving into hobbies, but there’s this nagging feeling of wishing you had someone to share these moments with. It’s during these times that the walls seem to close in, and you realize how much you crave human connection. You keep yourself busy with solo activities, but it doesn’t quite replace the warmth of shared experiences.

7. You’re the Listener in Your Friend Group.

In your circle, you’re known as a great listener, always there for everyone else. But it’s rare that someone asks about you in the same way. It’s like you’re the rock for others, but you’re silently wishing someone would offer you the same kind of shoulder to lean on. You’ve become so good at being there for others that it’s almost like they forget you might need some support too. You’re the advice giver, the problem solver, but when it comes to your own struggles, you keep them tucked away, out of sight.

7. You Laugh a Lot, But It Doesn’t Always Reach Your Eyes.

You’ve got a laugh for every occasion, and you’re the first to crack a joke. But sometimes, that laughter doesn’t quite touch the loneliness inside. It’s like putting on a show, making sure everyone thinks you’re okay, even when you’re not really feeling it. Your humor becomes a mask, hiding the real you that’s longing for a deeper connection. It’s like you’re playing a part, and while you might be nailing the role, inside, you’re wishing someone would see beyond the act.

8. You’re the ‘Strong, Independent’ One.

Everyone praises you for being so strong and independent, and yeah, that’s cool and all. But sometimes, it feels like a label that stops people from seeing that you might need company or support too. It’s like being strong has become your role, and now there’s no room to show that you might be feeling lonely. It’s a double-edged sword; you’re proud of your independence, but at the same time, it can feel like a barrier that keeps people from getting too close or noticing that you’re not always as okay as you seem.

9. You Daydream About Deep Connections.

While you might not show it, you often find yourself daydreaming about having that close, deep connection with someone. It’s those moments where you’re lost in thought, imagining a friend or partner who truly gets you and shares in your world. You think about conversations that go beyond the surface, a connection that feels effortless and genuine. It’s in these daydreams that you often find comfort, a brief escape from the reality of your solitude.

Phoebe Mertens is a writer, speaker, and strategist who has helped dozens of female-founded and led companies reach success in areas such a finance, tech, science, and fashion. Her keen eye for detail and her innovative approach to modern womanhood makes her one of the most sought-out in her industry, and there's nothing she loves more than to see these companies shine.

With an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and features in Forbes and Fast Company she Phoebe has proven she knows her stuff. While she doesn't use social media, she does have a private Instagram just to look at pictures of cats.
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