Physical signals of loneliness
- A longing gaze
- Disinterest in one's appearance (bland clothing, lackluster hair)
- Slumped shoulders, limp posture
- A monotone voice
- Looking down when walking in public
- Watching people furtively
- An expressionless, unsmiling face
- Sullenness
- Being generous to others in order to curry favor
- Spying or eavesdropping on others to feel a part of something
- Filling schedule with work or volunteering to avoid downtime
- Using books, the internet, and TV to escape
- An expression that crumples at other people's affection displays
- Hugging oneself
- A lack of eye contact
- False bravado
- Tears, sadness
- A heavy sigh
- Talking to oneself
- Feeling a sense of comfort from a full mailbox (even junk mail)
- Stroking self (rubbing an arm absently for contact)
- Using bright or eccentric clothes choices in an attempt to get attention
- Doting on someone or something ( a neighbor, a pet)
- Talking to strangers to feel connected
- Relishing opportunities to talk or engage (mail deliveries, etc)
- Rambling when conversing with others
- Adhering to a routine (eating the same meals, visiting the same park)
- Living vicariously through an alter ego or avatar (social networking, gaming)
- Taking risks to get attention
Mental responses to loneliness
- Avoiding crowds, large events, or social interaction
- A desire to be included, wanted
- Anger, bitterness
- Daydreaming about people one would like to have relationships with
Internal sensations of loneliness
- A thickness in the throat, signaling the onset of tears
- A longing so intense it manifests itself as an ache or pain
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Cues of suppressed loneliness
- Comitting too quickly to anyone who shows interest
- Choosing negative relationships over being alone
- Being too friendly and coming across as desperate
- Frequently calling family or friends
- Solitary activities that show a craving for contact (people watching from the porch)
Cues of acute or long-term loneliness
- Doubting oneself, a lack of confidence
- Weight gain
- Believing that one is unattractive or has a boring personality
- Uncontrollable crying bouts
- Despairing of ever being able to change
- Workaholic tendencies
- Bingeing to compensate (eating, drinking, shopping, gambling)
- Hoarding pets
- Suicidal thoughts
YOU ARE READING
Writing tips
RandomThis book contains -Words to use instead of said, says, went, etc -Personalities -Characteristics - words to describe movement, looks, body language and more. and a whole lot of other things.
