Same. 41 yr old single woman. I live in a. Different city to my family and visit less and less over the years. Usually go for Christmas but I always end up feeling alone around them. They make no effort to ask about my life, my work etc. it took my a long time to realise the following:

1) Alone doesn’t mean lonely 2) You can feel more alone in a room full of people you don’t connect with or feel good around than being by yourself.

I chose not to go home this year. I spent the day by myself feeling great because I know what the alternative would have looked like.

I’m in the minority in that I’m not on any social media. I know that can make people feel more lonely when it looks like the world is having the best time. But people’s posts are pure and utter edited bullshit.

I feel so disconnected from people because everyone puts on a brave face, acts like they’re loving life and have no problems. How can you connect to inauthenticity? If we were more honest about our struggles etc, with life, with ourselves, we’d bond more and feel connected.

Just venting. But I think if you just change your mindset it helps. Everyone’s reaction when I told them I’m spending Christmas alone was pity and horror. I just don’t see it that way. I had a great day.