Have you ever been at school during lunch, looked around, and felt like everyone had someone to sit with except you? I have. That heavy, quiet feeling is called loneliness. It's tough, especially when the room is full of voices and laughter but you feel invisible. The important thing to remember is this: you are not the only one who feels this way.
Little Steps That Help Me
Finding a friend can feel like climbing a tall hill, but I've learned that even the tiniest steps can open a new path. Here are a few things that have worked for me:
- I start with a small ''hi.'' I look for someone who also seems quiet or is sitting alone. I take a slow breath, give a little smile, and say hello. Sometimes that tiny word is the key to a new friend.
- I talk about something I notice. Maybe a classmate has a backpack with my favorite cartoon, or they are sketching during break. I'll say, "I like your drawing. I like to draw too." Shared interests make it easier to keep talking.
- I remind myself it's okay to try again. Not every ''hi'' turns into a friendship, but each time I try, I grow braver. Friendships take time, like seeds that need sunlight and water before they grow.
A Gentle Reminder
Feeling lonely at school doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It means you are human, and humans need connection. Just like clouds don't stay in the sky forever, loneliness will pass. Somewhere, there is a friend who is hoping for someone just like you to sit beside them. One day soon, you'll find each other.
Until then, be kind to yourself. Every small smile, every brave hello, is a step closer to the friend you've been waiting for.