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

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wonderfullDreamer93 on Sep 21, 2017

Everyone needs support in life but sadly not enough are getting it so as we grow we are forced to depend more and more on ourselves and less on other. Find happiness in yourself and that happiness will last. Find passion and love and excitement in what you do, and you'll be okay.

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SamuelPeak on Oct 28, 2017

I’m writer, which means I’m an introvert, I’m not a social person. I can virtually go days without talking to other people. But as I have found throughout life, we all need people to survive. No one can make it on their own. Keep this mind, becuase no matter how introverted we become, we still need people. But the truth is, it helps to be doing something you’re passionate about, something you love. Become sure and confident in yourself and your abilities, and accept them. There comes a point when you no longer really need other people’s approval to be happy, all you need is contentment with yourself. When you stop doubting, often that’s when you need others less, becuase you know who you are without their help.

lyricalSea85 on Nov 9, 2017

Ask yourself, why cannot you be happy. In this world, we don't need anybody to keep us happy. We can do that by ourselves. By taking good care, keeping a positive mind and a healthy body. Every human being has something called "Self-goals". These can be achieved at times like this

Anonymous on Nov 11, 2017

You can be happy without friends and family by doing things you love to make you happy and proud that you did something you dreamed of and that you were able to succeed without anyone stopping you.

KuyaEthan on Dec 10, 2017

Happiness is found within ourselves too. There are people who are happy being alone and some would need special or close people with them but it is all up to us where we find peace and comfort. 

Anonymous on Dec 14, 2017

When it comes to friends, family, and the people that love and care for us, it is important to feel safe around those people. If the people you are currently surrounded by are making you feel like you need to be away from them, perhaps try reaching out to a support group where you can find people you do feel safe around.

SweetBiscuits on Dec 31, 2017

If you are thinking that you can't be happy without friends and family you are probably blaming loneliness for your state of sadness. But it might not be true. Many people in relationship, with a family and friends feel sad over time. They may even be depressed. Sometimes while trying to be happy we fantasize some situation that they will make us happy immediately but most of the times it is not the case. It is our thoughts that makes us feel lonely and feeling to cope with loneliness we think our only chance is love. But what is causing loneliness is not lack of love. You can feel happy while you are single. You can feel happy on your own and this may change your point of view in your life. Maybe what you think causing you sadness is not what you think it is. Finding it may help you.

Expert approved by Graham Barrone, ICHP, MCBT

JJill1 on Jan 24, 2018

From personal experience, I highly recommend using some sort of escape, whether that be using art, dogs/ other animals, music, writing, and other passions. I have found puppies, kittens, and adopting animals has been an amazing solution to loneliness and can bring immense joy to their new owner!! If you have the financial capability of course! You could always get a fish :P 

weirdblueberry05 on Jan 25, 2018

I think this is a tricky question and it's not that simple to answer because it depends on you.You have to be okay with yourself first and find that thing in yourself that keeps you going.Work on accepting who you are,work on positive feeling,maybe improving some things about yourself that you don't particulary like.Try not to worry since you're not going to spend the rest of your life alone.When the time will be right you'll find your people and these people will see who you genuenly are. I wish you the best!

eliijaxes on Feb 7, 2018

Do things for you, do things that make you happy, work to get to a place you want to be in, whether it's mentally, physically, or even a job/school. Eventually, while doing these things, you will find friends along the way.