Some considerations on how to care for your partnered &/or single friends to consider to help you love well. What would you add?

Loneliness is Linked to Poor Health Outcomes

According to the US Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness & Isolation, lack of social connection poses significant risks to health & longevity including: Increased risks of premature death matching that of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, 29% increased risk of heart disease; 32% increased risk of stroke; Increased susceptibility to virus & respiratory illness and Increased risk of anxiety, depression & dementia.

Here’s some things to try to overcome & cope with Loneliness:

Contributed by Tina Rhodes, LPC, these book recommendations are selected to help you continue to explore the themes associated with loneliness.

1. The 100 Years of Lenin & Margot by Marianne Cronin

2. The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich

3. Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

The emerging research suggests that it is possible to live happy, thriving and fulfilling lives as a single person. Further, singles often benefit their friends, families and communities in unique ways. While their coupled counterparts tend to turn inward towards each other losing or loosening social ties over time, singles often engage in the relational work that build community and bind families. They often provide respite for parents, positive role modeling and supplemental socio-emotional support to children as well as essential care to elderly family members. Singles have the flexibility and resources to volunteer, engage in local politics, get involved in community organizations, and economically support local restaurants and entertainment venues.