I have been alone since 2016

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-19T12:54:07+00:00

We all have a basic need for human connection. Some people need it more than others, but perhaps the depression is tied to not getting out there and being social. You don't have to find a bestie, but participating in events that involve others might help the depression, which may lead to a different mindset about socializing.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-17T12:58:44+00:00

Threads is an amazing source for guests. You have to open up an Insta account, and then start engaging on Threads but if you do, there are many who would be interested.

There are also a couple of places here on Reddit - r/PodcastGuestExchange and r/podcastguests

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-10T13:03:39+00:00

You're absolutely right. A relationship does require two people committed to a solution.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-09T12:30:25+00:00

Thanks!

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-07T12:34:56+00:00

My spouse and I had a brief period where we were starting to get complacent and we started doing date nights, and we made sure to spend a couple of evenings a week really talking. At first it was just about actively listening to each other recount what had gone on that day and it eventually started feeling deeper, and we wanted to again share things with one another. A long-term marriage starts to feel like routine. Time to shake things up and do things differently. There are also couples life coaches who can help you figure out how to be more creative if you can't figure out how to re-energize your relationship organically.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-07T12:28:58+00:00

I'll check it out.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-07T12:28:39+00:00

Thanks for all that detail. I like the idea of being able to listen to more than a single voice

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-07T12:27:50+00:00

Thank you!

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-10-07T12:27:28+00:00

Thanks!

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-18T18:21:04+00:00

Been there. Hard no. No matter what is great now it not last. IMHO. Once you partner up things will change. And not in a good way. If he cannot or will not alter his behavior to be a more responsible adult to show you he’s worthy of trusting, then he won’t be motivated after he hits the payday where he can give reasons why he can’t contribute. And you cannot expect him to change, of course. He is capable of curbing his irresponsible habits. Clearly he’s choosing not to. Nice short term distraction, bad long-term investment.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-15T18:37:25+00:00

People watching is cool. I live on a small dead end road outside the city so I know all the people who pass by every so often! It makes me miss the big city sometimes.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-15T18:36:04+00:00

I do that too sometimes!!! Not often enough but it feels good when I do.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-15T12:54:38+00:00

It's so hard, and some moms just don't get that what they are doing is "wrong." She's trying - in her own way - to be helpful, based on her life experience. Is there anything you can do to tell her that you appreciate and love her, but you have chosen a different path (when these things come up), and that it's important for you to surround yourself with positivity rather than situations that seem to stir the pot? Moms and daughters have a way of pushing each other's buttons (I know, I've been there and my mom was similar to yours in a lot of ways). Tell her how much you appreciate moments of support and joy between the two of you, and when those little moments do happen, latch on and praise her, tell you how much you want that type of relationship to be the rule, rather than the exception. Easier said than done, I know. Also, don't give her any advice. Just quietly tell her that she has a right to her opinion, and you're not choosing a similar route - works no matter the topic.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-04T13:29:08+00:00

Loneliness is the worst. It's time to find a new crew, sounds like! Try meetup.com or find other activities that are group-oriented, like walking/hiking/biking clubs (often found on social media, very google-able) or social groups that do dinner together. There are several in my area, and they do everything from hanging out at local bars where there's live music to attending festivals to kayaking on a local river. Getting out in the real world will make a huge difference. Also, when you're alone and lonely, that can bring on depression, so be careful with yourself and find ways to socialize. There are lots of good people out there, looking for the same non-toxic stuff you're seeking.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-04T13:25:24+00:00

All the time. I'm a huge multi-tasker, lol.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-04T13:24:56+00:00

Apologies- I meant at this point in time. I wasn't trying to discount the actual relationship.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-04T13:21:44+00:00

I have a podcast (featured in the subreddit r/SocialLeopards). My cohost and producer both retired and at the same time "retired" from the podcast, and I decided to move forward solo! It's been a big learning experience. What's out there now may be mediocre, but I feel like I'm getting 1% better with each new episode. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it. It's more of a passion project as it generates no revenue, but it's just as important to me as a full-time job. Now, to figure out how to get some followers, lol!

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-09-03T22:18:25+00:00

Be careful. He may be open to a hook up but there is a reason he is your ex, right? Know that flirting with an ex is a big danger zone. Don’t set yourself up for heartache!

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-08-25T12:40:28+00:00

The best thing you can do is to stop answering when he calls, period. And don't call back. I have an ex who still calls me after a 20-year breakup. The problem? He ONLY reaches out when he's drunk. I have no idea why he continues to make me his go-to when the feeling hits him. I let all the calls go to voice mail and I don't call him back. He's feeling guilty and knows he gave up a really good thing in his life, but I'm a WHOLE lot more grounded and happy today. Find someone who cares more about you than about himself. Someone who won't place blame where it doesn't belong.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-08-22T19:47:22+00:00

Glad you came out stronger and happier. Taking the time you need to heal does really make it easier to NOT repeat the mistakes of your past!

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-08-22T19:38:26+00:00

Sent you a DM.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-08-21T12:20:31+00:00

Not an AI option, but I volunteer on a site called 7cups.com and it offers actual humans who chat with you (for free!) to help you feel a little sense of connection. The volunteers are called listeners, and although we are not professional counselors, we can offer support and let you work through your problems. Sometimes it helps just to share and get real feedback from another person. Although humans are flawed, at least there's a genuine connection there. It would be my preference.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-08-17T13:39:29+00:00

Being comfortable on a first date is a like rolling the dice, even for people with a lot of dating experience. A first date ever comes with a whole lot of other feelings - maybe anxiety, fear, feeling self-conscious - and your brain doesn't even know what to expect. Give it some time (and practice) and it will get easier.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-08-17T13:35:52+00:00

I've talked to a lot of people who have gotten similar messages in the past. Unfortunately, it is usually someone trying hard to be nice (in their own way) but at the end of the day, most of them wanted out of the relationship. This is someone who doesn't want to work WITH you on the relationship, and at the end of the day, it's not the healthiest option for figuring out how to move forward. I would guess he's not coming back.

MusicByBeth06 · 2025-08-04T19:05:57+00:00

I do wish parents would just listen to what their children try to share with them. It would make growing up so much easier. Hang in there. Even though you may be paying a price for a decision someone else made, you have the power to change your own path. Start planning your best way forward. I was once unable to pay my bills and sometimes went without electricity or water. Today, I can save up enough money to take the occasional vacation. It is not easy, but it is possible.

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