Sorrow loneliness
Lonely
Also known as alone, lonesome
Strength 2 of 4
Missing closeness with other people, an ache for company or contact that can come when you are on your own or in a crowded room.
In the body
- An empty, hollow feeling in the chest
- A pull to reach for your phone or for company
- Heaviness when the house goes quiet
Needs behind it
When these needs aren’t met
Softer and stronger
Often confused with
Alienated
Lonely is missing closeness with others; alienated is feeling an outsider, cut off and unlike those around you, even when among them.
Bored
Bored is missing interest or stimulation; lonely is missing other people, and no activity quite fills that gap.
Homesick
Homesick aches for a particular home, place or people; lonely aches for closeness wherever you are.
See also
Faux feelings that can hide this
AbandonedDislikedIgnoredIsolatedLeft outNeglectedNot acceptedRejectedScapegoatedUnheardUnimportantUnloved