People feel lonely for a number of reasons, such as not having enough friends or groups to mingle with, not knowing how to be close to the people they know, or not being accepted by those they try to be friends with.

Everyone experiences loneliness. Some humans are more socially accepted, because they are more outgoing. Some who try to be social remain socially rejected, and some have difficulty even trying.

Realize that we all get lonely. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you. We're particularly prone to loneliness when we're making transitions. Sometimes it is when we go through divorce or break off a long term relationship. We can miss the good things we experienced with that special someone but cannot tolerate the bad times any longer. Usually we are headed for something better, but we just need to be patient until that happens. If you're moving from one location to another making new friendships takes a little time, but can be very rewarding. You may be exploring new alternatives and paths for yourself, you're bound to get a little lonely as you look for people who share your new interests and thoughts, but they will come.

Call or get together with the people you know, even if they aren't who you want to be with right now. Human contact makes more contact easier. This includes your mother and the guy at the deli counter. Listen more than talk. Listening, and drawing people out will deepen your contacts more than just talking endlessly about yourself. Do not exhaust your existing connections; these are all you have at the moment.

Get involved in anything where you will meet people. If you are very shy, find a group for social anxiety, even if it has to be online (obviously it's better if it's not). Look on places like Craig's List for activities in your area. Volunteering can help. But don't attend functions with the idea of making friends or meeting people. Being too demanding is a sign of loneliness. Try to go with no expectations whatsoever, and to enjoy yourself regardless of what happens.

Challenge yourself to take the initiative in social relationships whenever you can.You ask the person if they want to chat, get a coffee, whatever. Remember how much you like it when people are attracted to you. Remember though, that you are trying to make a place for yourself in another person's life. Do not think that just showing up will win you instant friends. It can be a short or long, painstaking process, and most people you meet already have their own friends and lives. You must always show interest in other people before they will show interest in you, if they do.

Take risks about revealing yourself. Say what's on your mind, if it seems at all likely the other person will be receptive. It can hurt when it backfires, but it's worth it a million times over if it works.

Remember that we are all alone inside our heads; we are born and die alone; it's nothing special.

Every person who has ever lived has been lonely. Love wouldn't exist without loneliness to inspire it. Look at your loneliness with detachment.

Notice the difference between loneliness and solitude. Imagine this is the last day you will ever be alone. What would you do?

Join an online community. Sometimes it can help. If you're willing to help others as well as being helped yourself, check out the free Phone Buddies peer counseling community. Remember to be safe when online though not everyone is who they say they are and predators feed off of loneliness.

When feeling lonely, don't allow yourself to wallow in your loneliness. Do something, anything! Take a walk, ride your bike, try skating or go to the Mall or the Library. Visit a bowling alley or go into a chat room. These are all places where you won't feel alone. You may brouse Borders, books a million, Star Bucks or Barnes & Nobles. Often you can meet someone at the grocery store. You can also go online and listen to any number of sermons by enthusiastic speakers or pastors that will encourage you greatly. Sometimes I just find music on the Internet that I enjoy. Recently I Googled Baptist Hymn's and found many that took me right out of my lonliness.

Do everything you would normally do with a partner or friend. Many times it isn't the partner or friend you are missing, but the activities and hobbies you shared. Take yourself out for a date. For example, if you would have gone out to dinner or to a movie on a date, then take yourself out to a movie or to a nice restaurant. Don't hold yourself back. The odds are that you will meet others wherever you go and enjoy yourself. Just get out and go and don't stay home looking at 4 walls.

I'm joining a singles group and looking at taking up square dancing, but I'm sure there are many other things I haven't mentioned. How about Horseback riding or going to a shooting range. If you don't have a pet, consider adopting a small dog or cat. They can bring much love your way.

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