COPING with loneliness is not easy. Powerful emotions are involved. How can a person deal with loneliness? What have some done to overcome this powerful feeling?

1. Keep in mind that your situation can be changed, that it is not a permanent situation but a common experience shared by others.

2. Do not be unreasonably demanding of yourself.

3. Feel content about yourself in general.

4. Develop good habits in eating and exercise, and get adequate sleep.

5. Use the time you spend alone doing creative things and learning new skills.

6. Be careful not to judge people you meet on the basis of your past experiences.

7. Value your friends and their unique qualities. Work toward developing a good circle of friends. Ask for ideas from older, experienced ones.

8. Do something for others—give them a smile, express a kind word, share a thought from the Bible with them. Feeling needed by others is an antidote to loneliness.

9. Avoid fantasizing about movie or TV stars or Internet or literature characters, imagining a relationship with them.

10. If you are married, do not expect your mate to meet all your emotional needs. Learn to give and take, to help and support each other.

11. Learn to talk to others and to be a good listener. Focus on other people and their interests. Show empathy.

12. Acknowledge that you feel lonely, and talk to a mature friend, someone you trust. Don’t suffer in silence.

13. Avoid drinking too much, or do not drink at all. Alcohol does not drown your problems—with time they float to the surface again.

14. Avoid pride. Forgive those who hurt you, and make amends. Be willing to let down your defenses.