Mia Zhang
We all crave connection.
But do you feel truly connected?
I know what it’s like to put in a lot of effort to build meaningful bonds, only to be met with ittle reciprocation and a growing sense of isolation.
Many of us grapple with this unseen, silent battle of loneliness.
Are you wondering if loneliness is what you’re feeling?
Read on for eight subtle behaviors often displayed by women who are deeply lonely in life.
1) They prefer solitude
This one’s a bit tricky, isn’t it? After all, who doesn’t love a bit of alone time? I know I do. But there’s a stark difference between enjoying solitude and using it as a shield against the world.
A few years back, I had a friend named Sarah. She was always the life of the party, always surrounded by friends and family.
But one day, she started withdrawing. Preferring her own company over others, she began spending long hours alone. At first, we thought she was just tired or needed some space. But soon we realized it was more than that. She was lonely, deeply lonely.
2) They have unfulfilled desires
Ever noticed how some people seem to have a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, despite having everything they need? I certainly have.
I remember when I landed my dream job. It was everything I had worked for – good pay, great colleagues, and a brilliant boss. But there was a void, an unfulfilled desire that left me feeling surprisingly empty and alone. It was only when I started exploring and addressing these desires that I began to feel truly alive and connected.
Loneliness is not always about being alone; sometimes it’s also about unfulfilled desires and dreams.
3) They display excessive online activity
In today’s digital age, it’s not surprising that many of us turn to the internet for connection. But did you know that excessive online activity can sometimes be a sign of deep-seated loneliness?
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people who spend more than two hours a day on social media platforms are twice as likely to feel isolated than those who spend half an hour or less.
This over-reliance on virtual interaction often signifies a lack of meaningful connections in one’s real life, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
4) They put others before themselves
There’s a certain beauty in putting other people’s needs before your own. It’s a trait that speaks volumes about your heart and your capacity for love. However, sometimes, this selfless act can be a subtle cry for connection.
I’ve known individuals who go out of their way to make others feel loved and cherished, hoping that the love they give will somehow fill the void they feel inside.
They long for the same kindness and warmth they so readily provide. So if you notice someone constantly prioritizing others over themselves, they may be trying to mask their own feelings of loneliness.
5) They’re easily affected by small setbacks
I’ve always been a resilient person, bouncing back from life’s setbacks with relative ease. But during a particularly lonely phase in my life, I noticed a change in this pattern.
The smallest of setbacks would affect me deeply, and I found myself being more sensitive to criticism or failure. The once trivial issues suddenly felt like unsurmountable challenges. It was like my emotional resilience had taken a backseat, and every negative experience was amplified.
In retrospect, I realized that this heightened sensitivity was a manifestation of the loneliness I was experiencing. So if you find yourself or someone you know reacting strongly to minor setbacks, it could be a sign of deeper, underlying loneliness.
6) They struggle with sleep
Sleep, that sweet escape from reality, can often become elusive when loneliness seeps into your life. I remember nights when sleep would refuse to come, leaving me tossing and turning with my thoughts for company.
Research shows that feelings of loneliness can cause a disruption in sleep patterns. It’s like a vicious cycle – the lack of sleep heightens feelings of loneliness, and the loneliness in turn makes it harder to sleep.
7) They find it hard to express their feelings
Ever tried to open up about your feelings only to find the words stuck in your throat? I have. During my loneliest times, I found it hardest to articulate my emotions.
People who are deeply lonely often struggle to express their feelings. It’s not that they don’t want to share; instead, they fear the vulnerability that comes with opening up. They fear being judged or misunderstood, so they choose silence over expression.
8) They lose interest in their appearance
I’ll admit it. There have been days when I’ve barely glanced at the mirror before stepping out of the house. These were also the days when I felt loneliest.
When you’re feeling deeply lonely, things like taking care of your appearance can seem insignificant. You might find yourself wearing the same clothes for days or not bothering about your hair or makeup. It’s not about being lazy; it’s more about losing the motivation to present yourself well.
9) They indulge in emotional eating
Did you know that loneliness can change your eating habits? It’s true. Loneliness can often lead to emotional eating as a way to fill the void.
During my loneliest phases, I found myself reaching for comfort foods more often than usual. More than just hunger; it was finding solace in something familiar and comforting. Emotional eating can be a subtle sign of loneliness and an attempt to deal with the emptiness within.
So there you have it. These are just some of the subtle signs that a woman may be experiencing deep loneliness. Remember, it’s okay to feel this way sometimes. But, if these signs persist, it’s important to seek help and remember that you’re not alone.
