How can I be happy without friends and family?
307 Answers
Moderated by Maria Wasielewski, Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance, University of Arizona
Updated: Jan 4, 2022
Anonymous
on
Dec 5, 2020
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The main challenge when we don´t have friends and family around is delaying with loneliness. A good approach is to stay busy with things you enjoy and fulfill you, like a good hobby. Some people have found a lot of comfort in having a pet, a pet gives affection which is something we all need at times, and using websites like this one where you can find online communities is very useful. We all want to be hear sometimes, if no one is physically available around you at the moment, there are many people online trying to meet others and engage in nice conversations. You can join a chat room with a specific topic you like or just have a casual one-to-one conversation with someone.
Anonymous
on
Dec 30, 2020
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You can be happy by giving yourself mental health time. Try and schedule 30 minutes to an hour every day to take time for yourself. During this time you can read, write, journal, watch Netflix, go on a walk, or do something else for self care. This allows you to rest and calm your brain from all the social interaction and allows you to be happy without friends and family. This also allows for your brain to realize that you can be happy when you are alone and you don't need people constantly around you to make you happy.
sophiasanae
on
Jan 12, 2021
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Happiness is something you have at least some control over, even if it doesn't feel like it! It might be helpful to work on yourself and loving who you are as a person. When you do that, you radiate such an infectious energy, it really draws people to you! Also, it's difficult to be happy when you aren't content with being by yourself! I know many people in these replies have said to look into finding a new hobby, which is great! However, you may also want to ask yourself if you're looking for something that can give you a deeper meaning in life! For me, that's philosophy and I find that it gives me a lot of purpose and makes me feel okay with being happy, even if I don't have family or friends around. However, this could be anything that you're passionate about! Which is why it's great to explore and even experiment with the idea of self-dating if that sounds interesting to you! Finally, remember that you are never truly alone, there's always people that care about you in the most unexpected places. Plus, the 7 Cups community will always have your back no matter what!
Enjoyslistening505
on
Jan 12, 2021
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I have found good ways to be happy without family and friends involve doing things that you enjoy the most. I like going on walks in the morning or watching the sunset from a pretty spot and sometimes listening to podcasts that relate to how I am feeling. Try to focus on the act that you are doing and how it may bring you joy. Focus on what you can control in your life and possible ways to improve it rather than focusing on the areas that you lack. That’s not to say ignore the issues in your life but address what is in your control
Anonymous
on
Feb 24, 2021
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Not having friends or family around can seem quite sad but in fact you can make it a happier time for yourself. You can binge watch a series or movie you enjoy, try new recipes out, or just do what you enjoy most. If you don't enjoy those things you could also treat yourself to a self care day and focus on improving yourself and your mood by taking a relaxing bath or meditation. Going outside and seeing new things can also be very exiting and memorable and you can socialize with others around you. Being alone is not always a bad thing but rather something where you can focus on your self love and reflect.
Anonymous
on
Feb 28, 2021
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It's weird but sometimes I find myself being more happier alone than with my friends and family. I can get lost in my thoughts and start laughing out loud before I realize that I'm alone just laughing lol. But basically you have to be comfortable with yourself and know that you don't necessarily need people to be happy. True people can add to your happiness but you don't need to rely on them to be happy. In fact loving yourself and being comfortable with yourself brings true happiness and no one can take that kind of happiness away from you no matter what. Love yourself and be comfortable knowing that you too can make yourself happy
OutdoorKate
on
Mar 3, 2021
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There are times when Family and Friends are not in the picture. Maybe you are living away from those you love or your community. Finding things that make you happy, like a hobby is always helpful. Being social in other ways by volunteering is a great way to alleviate a lack of social activity. Setting up online calls and chats is also a great way to connect with those you are apart from. Not all of us are fortunate to have big family and friend networks. It is important to really find those things that make you happy and take part in them for a strong sense of well being.
Anonymous
on
Mar 21, 2021
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Fill your life with as many things that bring you joy and more importantly find your self-worth and understand that it isn't based on how many that surround you, but who YOU are and what you contribute to the world.
Dance, sing, paint, cook, run, read and/or contribute to your community. Volunteer, take yourself on holiday, and surround yourself with animals - animals will fill your world with unconditional love. I tend to feel lonely sometimes and so I create a routine based upon the advice I've just given. I spend time by the ocean, give love to my pets and take care of myself every day with as much care as I can muster.
All the best.
bouncyWatermelon6770
on
Apr 8, 2021
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Find things in life that you enjoy and focus on them, friends and family are great but you have to be able to find your own reasons to smile too. Look into social activities you enjoy hobbies and other opportunities to get out and have fun. Once you identify the things you enjoy in life make time for those things, it is important to take care of your mental health in order to be happy and spending time on the things you enjoy about life is a key part of that. So find a hobby, read a book, ride a bike whatever you enjoy and make time for it. Good luck, and happy trails!
Anonymous
on
Apr 15, 2021
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I understand that things are really hard right now. Especially without friends and/or family to help you through it. To feel truly happy without family and/or friends you need to focus on yourself first. To be able to love others, you need to love yourself first! You may not see it now but you are a very funny, kind, and loving person. I know that you can do this! I am so proud of you for making it this far! Family and friends will just listen and give advice but to be able to know what you want, you need to find yourself first! You got this!
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