Loneliness — something we all might experience at some point. Let’s be clear, loneliness and being alone are two different things. It’s interesting because, in our society, it’s almost like men aren’t “supposed” to admit when they feel lonely. But it happens. Loneliness comes from a lack of connection or a lack of vulnerability with the people in your life.
Have you ever been in a room full of people—everyone’s talking, having a good time—and yet, you feel completely alone? I’ve been there. It’s tough to be in an environment where you don’t feel comfortable, don’t feel safe, or maybe feel like you don’t quite belong. What I want to encourage you to do is to be a little vulnerable and start creating some real connection. One of the easiest ways to do this is by asking people questions about themselves. Ask how they’re doing, how their family is, or what they did over the weekend. Engage with genuine curiosity. The more you ask people about themselves—authentically—the more they’ll open up and respond.
And if you’re someone who finds it hard to talk about yourself, start by asking others about them. It’s a safe, easy way to begin connecting. Ask what you might have in common. It’s a start, and yes, it will require some vulnerability on your part. The first step is reaching out and asking questions. The second step is when they start asking you questions — there’s a little bit of information sharing that happens. You don’t need to dive deep right away. Just share what feels right in the moment and build that connection slowly.
Being alone can actually be healthy. It’s a time to recharge, reflect, and meditate. There’s value in that space. But if being alone feels uncomfortable, like you can’t be alone with your thoughts, that’s something different, and we can talk about that another time. But for today, if you’re feeling lonely and craving connection, put yourself out there. Start small—be around people and engage with them by simply asking questions. It’s an easy and safe way to build bonds, and more often than not, people will ask you questions in return, which helps create that connection.
Life’s too short to walk through it alone, men. We’re meant to connect with others. So get out there, give it a try, and see what happens. If you want to chat more about this, feel free to reach out to me. Alright, I’m Todd with Empowered Men Coaching. Ciao.
Author: Todd Gorishek
Todd is a certified Men’s Life Coach, an entrepreneur, a licensed healthcare professional, a husband, a father, and a world traveler. His mission is to co-create a strong and compassionate world by facilitating transformation through understanding, trust, and empowerment.
He received his professional Life Coaching education from Newfield Network, a certified Life Coach training school, and is a member of the International Coach Federation.