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backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
Thu Feb 8, 2018, 11:40 PM Feb 2018

Hi

I am conflicted. Being alone for so long, I don't really know how to interact with people in the real world. I worked for the last ten years as an embalmer/funeral director and I didn't realise how secluded I've made myself. I was ok just being mom and raising my child, but now he's a teenager, I'm disabled, and alone. With Valentine's day next week I'm acutely aware of just how alone in this world I really am.

Sometimes I miss having friends, but I mostly keep to myself. My motto was "better to be lonely than hurt/miserable". Having just turned 38, I'm much too young to be so secluded.

I'm interacting on DU after a long while just to test the waters of social media.(Facebook is not for me) So, I guess I just wanted to say hi to fellow loners. And happy Valentine's day to us all.

61 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Hi (Original Post) backtoblue Feb 2018 OP
Welcome back. Permanut Feb 2018 #1
Thank you Permanut backtoblue Feb 2018 #3
Great introductory post BootinUp Feb 2018 #2
Thanks BootinUp backtoblue Feb 2018 #10
Hi backtoblue! calimary Feb 2018 #4
Thanks! backtoblue Feb 2018 #7
After a while, if you feel comfortable, you can ask if anyone else on DU lives AJT Feb 2018 #5
Those odds are not in my favor backtoblue Feb 2018 #11
Check out Meetup.com CrispyQ Feb 2018 #21
Cool idea backtoblue Feb 2018 #22
If you all agreed to wear special liberal t-shirts, I would fly in for lunch with you. MLAA Feb 2018 #55
Deal! backtoblue Feb 2018 #61
Hey TwistOneUp Feb 2018 #6
You are very kind TwistOneUp backtoblue Feb 2018 #13
Don't bother with Facebook insanity. Ohiogal Feb 2018 #8
Hi Ohiogal! backtoblue Feb 2018 #9
Hi Blue... Ferrets are Cool Feb 2018 #12
Thanks for the kind words Ferrets backtoblue Feb 2018 #14
Hello again! 👋 irisblue Feb 2018 #15
thank ya irisblue! backtoblue Feb 2018 #43
I'm 72 and some of my happiest days are those days spent alone. Binkie The Clown Feb 2018 #16
Binkie, I hear ya backtoblue Feb 2018 #34
I've been living alone the last few years, for the first time in my life More_Cowbell Feb 2018 #17
DU is WAY more therapeutic than Facebook. dchill Feb 2018 #18
Did Facebook for about a month 10 years ago backtoblue Feb 2018 #33
welcome to the group :) steve2470 Feb 2018 #19
Ty Steve!! backtoblue Feb 2018 #32
It is so easy to let yourself be isolated..you aren't alone in finding that you need more living Fresh_Start Feb 2018 #20
Thanks Fresh_Start backtoblue Feb 2018 #31
Hello backtoblue., peacebuzzard Feb 2018 #23
Hi peacebuzzard backtoblue Feb 2018 #29
In a few minutes I'll be watching another state's high school swim championship More_Cowbell Feb 2018 #24
You have a cool sister! backtoblue Feb 2018 #26
Ha, thanks! More_Cowbell Feb 2018 #44
Hello shenmue Feb 2018 #25
Hi shenmue! backtoblue Feb 2018 #27
Hi backtoblue, welcome to DU.. SummerSnow Feb 2018 #28
Thank you summer snow! backtoblue Feb 2018 #38
Hi, Thanks for your post. wendyb-NC Feb 2018 #30
Hi wendy! backtoblue Feb 2018 #37
Another hello back roscoeroscoe Feb 2018 #35
Thank you Roscoe! backtoblue Feb 2018 #36
Me too Joediss Feb 2018 #39
Kindred spirit, you are Joediss backtoblue Feb 2018 #40
Welcome back MustLoveBeagles Feb 2018 #41
Thank you must love beagles! backtoblue Feb 2018 #45
Hello! I admire you for the work you've done. It must be tough sometimes. Please stay in touch ! (eom) Demoiselle Feb 2018 #42
Hey Demoiselle! backtoblue Feb 2018 #46
Back at ya tiredtoo Feb 2018 #47
Hi tiredtoo backtoblue Feb 2018 #48
That must be so difficult. And not just on February 14th. 3catwoman3 Feb 2018 #56
Hello, and you will find this is a nice place. Stuart G Feb 2018 #49
I am going to sleep with a warm heart tonight backtoblue Feb 2018 #50
Welcome to DU. nt tblue37 Feb 2018 #51
Hello. Glad you're here. no_hypocrisy Feb 2018 #52
Thanks no_hypocrisy! backtoblue Feb 2018 #59
Hello IrishEyes Feb 2018 #53
IrishEyes, thank you backtoblue Feb 2018 #60
Hi back pandr32 Feb 2018 #54
I was out with bad reception pandr32 Feb 2018 #57
Thank you pandr32! backtoblue Feb 2018 #58

calimary

(80,693 posts)
4. Hi backtoblue!
Thu Feb 8, 2018, 11:44 PM
Feb 2018

Good that you're stepping up here! This is pretty safe, and there are so many kindred spirits here that perhaps you won't feel as isolated after awhile.

Glad you posted this! And Happy Valentine's Day back atcha!



backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
7. Thanks!
Thu Feb 8, 2018, 11:59 PM
Feb 2018

I never really explored the different groups of DU3. I'm really glad that I am now. It's been five years since I posted. I need some training wheels!

AJT

(5,240 posts)
5. After a while, if you feel comfortable, you can ask if anyone else on DU lives
Thu Feb 8, 2018, 11:50 PM
Feb 2018

in your area and would want to get together for a coffee or something.

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
11. Those odds are not in my favor
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 12:10 AM
Feb 2018

I live in one of the most rural counties in Arkansas. You actually made me smile to think about bringing a whole bus load of liberals to the local diner!

CrispyQ

(36,224 posts)
21. Check out Meetup.com
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 03:39 PM
Feb 2018

You pick topics you're interested in & it will show you groups that have similar interests as yours. I met two of my best hiking pals on Meetup - one in a women programmer's group & the other in a writer's group. I'll bet you can find some like minded folks on Meetup. Then, rent that bus!

MLAA

(17,163 posts)
55. If you all agreed to wear special liberal t-shirts, I would fly in for lunch with you.
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 10:48 PM
Feb 2018

Just to see us roll off the bus in our liberal finery would be such fun! 😉🙂🙂🙂. Welcome back dear backtoblue.

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
13. You are very kind TwistOneUp
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 12:11 AM
Feb 2018

Thank you, not just for the heart, but because I can feel that you mean it.

Ferrets are Cool

(21,059 posts)
12. Hi Blue...
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 12:11 AM
Feb 2018

that is very brave of you to open up to us. Thank you for trusting us.
Happy early Valentines day to you.

I wish you good fortune in finding people to interact with in your life.

Binkie The Clown

(7,911 posts)
16. I'm 72 and some of my happiest days are those days spent alone.
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 01:09 AM
Feb 2018

Don't get me wrong, I do socialize with family, friends, and neighbors. But I usually end up hanging out with other people only 2 or 3 times a month. Four times at most, like during the holidays when family always ends up on my doorstep.

"Loner" doesn't have to mean "lonely". Being alone is a state of being. Being lonely is a state of mind.

And as much as I do enjoy the company of others, as a counterpoint to the title of this post, some of my most miserable days where those days spend with others I didn't really want to be with.

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
34. Binkie, I hear ya
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 02:28 PM
Feb 2018

My phone kept autocorrecting your name to bonnie. I gotta get this thing figured out lol
Your family being dropped on your doorstop made me laugh. Thank you

More_Cowbell

(2,190 posts)
17. I've been living alone the last few years, for the first time in my life
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 02:13 AM
Feb 2018

Before that I was living with my family, then college roommates, then a long-term boyfriend. I cherish my time now, but I understand that my situation (I made the choice to leave and live alone) is not yours.

Thank you SO MUCH for speaking up and putting yourself out there/here. This is a community, the same as a "physical" one. I look forward to interacting with you.

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
33. Did Facebook for about a month 10 years ago
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 02:24 PM
Feb 2018

As soon as the ads started following me, I deleted it. Glad that I did!

steve2470

(37,456 posts)
19. welcome to the group :)
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 09:55 AM
Feb 2018

Post as much (or as little) as you wish. The group is not that active but we can always use fresh blood, so to speak.

Glad you're here.

Fresh_Start

(11,330 posts)
20. It is so easy to let yourself be isolated..you aren't alone in finding that you need more living
Fri Feb 9, 2018, 10:05 AM
Feb 2018

in your life.

I hope you find some great companionship soon

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
31. Thanks Fresh_Start
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 02:22 PM
Feb 2018

You name is refreshing! Lol. I'm already making some wonderful new friends here. It's a step toward coming back to life, so to speak

More_Cowbell

(2,190 posts)
24. In a few minutes I'll be watching another state's high school swim championship
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 01:59 PM
Feb 2018

2000 miles away, but I can log on and watch my sister's husband coaching his high school swim team. My sister always looks for the camera and stands near it to wave. The things that technology lets us do!

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
26. You have a cool sister!
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 02:17 PM
Feb 2018

I'm thinking about getting Netflix. And spring is around the corner so I can tend to my horrid display of a garden lol. Chevy Chase is awesome. Love your poster name!

More_Cowbell

(2,190 posts)
44. Ha, thanks!
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 04:26 AM
Feb 2018

And I *do* have a cool sister. She doesn't mind looking silly in front of strangers to wave maniacally across a swimming pool at the camera.

Her husband's team broke the top ten in their state for the first time ever. A good day was had by all.

Netflix is awesome.

Joediss

(84 posts)
39. Me too
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 02:46 PM
Feb 2018

I disable veteran living in rural Texas... I am 66 yes old, I don't have many friends here, I know all these repugs that live around me , I was raised here. I do have a couple of friends that are liberals. I don't want to be around religious biogts and racists . THAT about all that down here. And I can take this time to become more in tune with myself.. that's just one way to look at it.. I thank carma , higher power or whatever that I have a couple of liberal friends

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
40. Kindred spirit, you are Joediss
Sat Feb 10, 2018, 02:56 PM
Feb 2018

I've lived in a very red, rural area my whole life. I love living in the countryside, but I'm surrounded by hate in many, many forms. There are some good, kind folks that I've met throughout my career though. I don't much talk to anyone besides a few family members and neighbors. Thank you for your response, your kindness, and thank you even more for your service.

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
46. Hey Demoiselle!
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 03:35 PM
Feb 2018

It's difficult to talk about my work experiences. I do know for certain though if I helped lessen just one person's pain then it was worth it.

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
48. Hi tiredtoo
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 09:21 PM
Feb 2018

I cannot imagine the depth of your loss. Hope your Valentine's Day comes with peace, love, and companionship. I wish I could give you a real hug

3catwoman3

(23,812 posts)
56. That must be so difficult. And not just on February 14th.
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 11:40 PM
Feb 2018

My parents were together for 63 years. My dad died in 2011. My mom often still speaks in the plural of "we."

Please take good care of yourself.

Stuart G

(38,359 posts)
49. Hello, and you will find this is a nice place.
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 09:59 PM
Feb 2018

Most of us, are very nice and kind..I know you have met many of us already...

Good Luck and

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
50. I am going to sleep with a warm heart tonight
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 10:11 PM
Feb 2018

Since I've started posting again I'm finding hope in humanity. Everyone has been so welcoming and I'm absolutely amazed at the greetings ive received. Thank you Stuart! I feel like I'm coming out of my shell. The past two years have taken a toll on my spirit. It's nice to come back. DUers have made me laugh when I thought my humor had broken. I just hope I can contribute in some small way.

no_hypocrisy

(45,771 posts)
52. Hello. Glad you're here.
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 10:30 PM
Feb 2018

We are friends without demands or expectations.

Read our stuff and/or jump right in with your own thoughts.

This may be the safest place on DU. Your sanctuary.

N_H

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
59. Thanks no_hypocrisy!
Mon Feb 12, 2018, 11:11 AM
Feb 2018

I crawled into this little hole and found a whole lot of love! I think I'm moving in lol

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
60. IrishEyes, thank you
Mon Feb 12, 2018, 11:17 AM
Feb 2018

Ive been seeing a whole bunch of awesome people here. It's nice to have friends, even if virtual. Cyber friends are great!

pandr32

(11,446 posts)
54. Hi back
Sun Feb 11, 2018, 10:47 PM
Feb 2018

Most of us have found ourselves feeling alone or underappreciated at some point. My best marriage (out of two) did not happen until about 40, so you never know what the future will bring.
We are all friends here. Sending you some love in the form of a heart, and in Aloha.

pandr32

(11,446 posts)
57. I was out with bad reception
Mon Feb 12, 2018, 01:28 AM
Feb 2018

...and tried to send the heart and couldn't, but did when I got home. I hope things look brighter with the Valentine love that is flowing around this place.

backtoblue

(11,323 posts)
58. Thank you pandr32!
Mon Feb 12, 2018, 11:09 AM
Feb 2018

Thank you for the heart! I hope the love being shared grows into a movement! It's been a very very cold winter. We need each other. I just didn't realise how much!

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