Loneliness Epidemic

Kenisa Nunley
May 31
3 min read

Hello!

So, I keep hearing about this loneliness epidemic, and as I continue to build Gowns and Gardens, I am constantly looking at the relationships between friends in the world of women. It is fascinating the way I see women interacting and the ways they do not. I see so many divides and joys when watching people interact. Nevertheless, with this longing that is going on in our society for companionship and friendship, I have come to notice 2 key elements:

1. The housing crisis

2. The way we value and treat other people

When I look at the housing crisis and the standards of American living, it becomes obvious that people, on average, are not in housing arrangements that they feel comfortable inviting people over to. That intern means that people have to go somewhere to meet, and that now has an added cost of time and money. Not to mention that being in a public environment may cause many of us to be in a more public persona and not be in our more relaxed, less guarded state. These factors alone can inhibit people from truly getting to know each other.

When I look at how people often treat each other, I find that more often than not, people’s friends and acquaintances are secondary or even 3^rd or 5^th on the list to everything else that is going on in one’s life. Now, I know we have priorities; but truly putting friendships and new relationships to the bottom of the list is not prudent for the future. For we never know what support or value that person can bring out in our lives, and vice versa. Not to mention, there seems to be an overestimation that everyone else is doing great, and they don’t really need me, or maybe one underestimates that they do not know how valuable they are or could be to someone. Putting time into building your community is so important. When we have opportunities to listen to each other, we get to hear the other person's heart and another person’s perspective, and this can be a very powerful thing. People and community are very important, so let’s not treat people like they are non-essential.

Here are some tips to help you build your community.

1. Be willing to be vulnerable with new people. It can allow them an opportunity and a safe place to be vulnerable as well.

2. Go to places, events, and engagements where you can meet new people.

Pro tip: choose both events that you are accustomed to with like-minded people and events that are different from your norm with people you are not used to being around, to get a well-rounded spectrum of support and growth.

3. Remember, everyone has value. Take an extra moment to ask the waitress or clerk how they are doing. It just might open up an amazing conversation, and you will make someone’s day by being caring.