Are You Lonely? Turn Off the TV
June 26, 2006 — -- Americans have one-third fewer close friends and confidants than just two decades ago, according to a new study in the American Sociological Review.
In 1985, the average American had three people in whom to confide matters that were important to them. In 2004 that number dropped to two, according to the study.
"What's happening is technology gives people a whole bunch of ways to get at us -- e-mail, cell phones, fax, Blackberrys. All those kind of things," said life coach Cheryl Richardson. "We feel so overwhelmed as a result, by the end of the day when you go home from work, the last thing you want to do is make another phone call. It feels like work."
To read more about the new loneliness study Click Here.
Richardson said there were ways people could fight the loneliness:
Disconnect Plugs to Connect With People
When we feel overwhelmed, we become addicted to those activities that allow us to numb out. We turn on the TV and by the time you've watched a couple of hours of television, you no longer have time. We also have relationships with characters on TV instead of real life. Then there's the iPod. If you walk around with your ears plugged up, you can't connect with anyone. Turn off the TV, leave the iPod at home, and talk to people.
Schedule a Getaway With Friends
Try a girls' getaway three times a year where you hang out together and have fun. Schedule a weekend sleepover once a quarter rather than dinner once a month. At least schedule a longer phone conversation. Make time to talk about what's really going on, and ask deeper questions instead of, "How are the kids doing?" and "How is your marriage?"
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