If anything can make a person feel lonely, it is the immediate aftermath once one spouse has decided to file for divorce.
Loneliness unchecked can lead to depression and other mental health issues that eventually take a toll on your physical well-being. It’s important to stamp it out as soon as you can — to not let yourself get stuck in the maze, so to speak. Here are some antidotes to loneliness once your divorce papers are final.
One: Reconnect With Family And Friends.
Your loved ones will likely want to make time for you after the divorce, so make time for them. There isn’t a better feeling when you’re down than being with people who genuinely care for you and appreciate having you in their lives.
Two: Reconnect With The Old You.
It’s easy to get lost in a marriage — as in losing yourself. To prevent loneliness or turn back its effects, you don’t have to spend time with anyone. You can simply reengage with the life you lost. The hobbies, the habits, the fun. Go on a journey of self discovery, and you’ll soon feel more in control of your life whether there are people around or not.
Three: Place Yourself In An Active Environment.
Even if you are unable to set a lunch date with your friends or handle being alone, you can still step out and go to a coffee shop. Read the paper, have a bagel and a cup of Joe, and discretely observe others. When my divorce forms were final, I got a great deal of relief from being around busy areas even if I wasn’t directly interacting.
Four: Meet New People.
You don’t have to be on a mission to start a new relationship, but there’s nothing wrong with scheduling some day dates or dinners out with new people. Online dating sites have made it easier to improve your chances of connecting with someone similar to your tastes and interests while taking out the awkward face-to-face icebreaker. Give it a try, or join a local group of people who share your love of reading/writing/yoga/etc.