More than 60% of Americans self-report feelings of chronic loneliness. We long for deeper connection, so why do we seem to be struggling to experience it?
I have often been the initiator, the pursuer if you will. I too feel tired and frustrated. It feels heavy sometimes to carry the momentum of a friendship or feel like the one responsible for pursuing. I want to assume the best of people and their motives. I get stuck, however, when it remains only words and the lack of integrity to follow through leaves me disheartened. Sometimes I think, “If I hear one more person say, ‘oh I meant to but I just got so busy’ I’ll go mad.” Or if this same person blows me off again for some more “me” time I’ll scream.
I have struggled and continue to struggle with releasing my friendships of this expectation of mutuality that does not and will not always exist.
Ryan, this is great work. It speaks to the lonely fearful boy that still lives within me. I often try to dress that little boy up in men’s clothing. I know most men struggle with the same issue and chose to live in fear and shame, rather than to admit it.
This is the lonely road. I long to be in a community with other men (like you) that strive to live naked and unashamed.
Thank you for your writings, they are helpful, encouraging and ofter Hope.
I have often been the initiator, the pursuer if you will. I too feel tired and frustrated. It feels heavy sometimes to carry the momentum of a friendship or feel like the one responsible for pursuing. I want to assume the best of people and their motives. I get stuck, however, when it remains only words and the lack of integrity to follow through leaves me disheartened. Sometimes I think, “If I hear one more person say, ‘oh I meant to but I just got so busy’ I’ll go mad.” Or if this same person blows me off again for some more “me” time I’ll scream.
I have struggled and continue to struggle with releasing my friendships of this expectation of mutuality that does not and will not always exist.
Ryan, this is great work. It speaks to the lonely fearful boy that still lives within me. I often try to dress that little boy up in men’s clothing. I know most men struggle with the same issue and chose to live in fear and shame, rather than to admit it.
This is the lonely road. I long to be in a community with other men (like you) that strive to live naked and unashamed.
Thank you for your writings, they are helpful, encouraging and ofter Hope.
Love you.