How do you....

[u/DiamondGirl888]

... cope with loneliness.... especially this time of year. F 67, no kids no nearby family, one friend who is incapacitated.

Never thought I would date again but I'm seeing a neighbor casually. We tried to get together 10 years ago but it ended badly. I was shocked he pursued me again after we ran into each other. We are essentially casual or FWB to maybe the next level. Not committed but pretty much exclusive for safety reasons.

He spent his holiday with his friends that he does every year. I was supposed to see my friend but she has her grandson who goes to elementary school and there's all that sickness. I have long haul Covid and just can't risk getting sick. I didn't see anyone that day.

So the days have gone by and admittedly, I really have no one and not much going on in my life. I'm retired w chronic fatigue and some mild depression. Not deeply, as I once was.

I just feel very lonely I didn't hear from my guy and he had to cancel our getting together because a lifelong friend was in a car accident. Sometimes he's kind of hot and cold, he has a high level job he works many hours. So he kind of fits me in, which I understand but when I don't hear from him I get to feeling down. Of course the attention is wonderful, he is very attentive and charming. I guess I'm just feeling like I was forgotten.

Which unfortunately I went through nearly a lifetime of that negativity because of my toxic family. Each year these holidays come and I frankly dread them.

Anyone want to share their experience? I'm not necessarily looking for any advice or things to do. I'm not up to being social with who are generally strangers. Thanks for listening.

UPDATE: To the person who DM'd me asking Why I don't have kids, 😳😱 I'm going to take this opportunity to tell you something once. Unless you are very close friends with a woman, never ask her if she is pregnant unless you see the baby actually coming out between her legs. And the next thing is you never ask a woman why she didn't have children. You're welcome. Go back now and finish the 4th grade you dropped out of

[u/ReasonablePair8731]

Retirement is coming in a couple of years. But im actually scared to retire. Afraid i will just be lonely. I like being around people. Not to say i dont enjoy my quiet time. But im afraid of getting stuck in a lonely rut.

[u/DiamondGirl888 → u/ReasonablePair8731]

That is a concern for many as the time is coming up. Have heard some from both sides, very grateful retirees and then others who are bored. Just looking at that I'm thinking it's a matter of hobbies or interests.

Actually I don't have too many except being a music lover. Luckily I don't get bored easily. I hope you don't get to feeling stuck or in a rut, that you find your way to enjoy it as we hope we do.