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Loneliness has become a significant problem in the United States. Recent studies and surveys put
about one in five people reporting that they were "frequently" or "always" lonely, with some age
groups upwards of three in ten. In addition to that, one in two adults are reported to be living
with measurable levels of loneliness. The problem has become so pervasive that in 2023 the
Surgeon General identified it in a
report
as a significant public health crisis, which could be compared to
obesity and smoking in terms of the negative effects on people's bodies and minds. It has even been
associated with a higher likelihood of premature death, comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes daily.
We get it. The prospect of interacting with new people can maybe seem risky and possibly even overwhelming. It can be incredibly easy and tempting to withdraw into isolation. The important thing to remember is that while this world can definitely be difficult, going at it alone is even more difficult. We're wired to socialize, whether it's on a small scale or a larger group. By not using that portion of our minds, it begins to atrophy like any other muscle, and becomes harder to use. One study even showed that the human brain can shrink with social isolation. "But I'm Surrounded By People!"Even if someone isn't physically alone, and is maybe even surrounded by other people, they can still easily feel isolated. And that makes sense when you think about it - The people in our lives tend to be people of convenience. Neighbors, people from work, friends of friends, people that we meet through a shared interest. We choose from the people immediately available to us, because we sometimes fear that it will be them or nobody. So we try to do the best we can with the people that we have. That is why we have developed a system to help people find the people who they are the most likely to get along with. To find their community of friends who are actually like them. To find THEIR people. So why not take a chance? There's nothing to lose, and a lot of potentially amazing things to gain. Have questions? Just want to talk to someone? Email us at questions (at) thefrienddepartment.com. |
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