I Miss My Best Friend & I Am Feeling Alone

Medically reviewed by: Ilbey Ucar – PhD (Psychology)
Last updated date : February 22, 2023

Feeling alone and missing one’s best friend can be a lot to take in. If you feel lonely and think, “I miss my best friend,” chances are you know what it is like to spend time without friends. Loneliness has taken an emotional toll on people from all walks of life this couple of years. Loneliness is going around, and it’s having a pretty big impact on our lives.

Perhaps you haven’t seen your friends and loved ones in a long time. Maybe pandemic stress has caused tension in your home, leaving you feeling lonely and unhappy even though your house is packed. “I miss my best friend, I just want life to be like old times” might be something you hear very often.

Split image of girl who misses her best friend, walking her dog, swimming and doing house work

“Learnt a lot from this course” Sally

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Chapter 1:

Why Do I Miss My Best Friend?

Your best friend could be your stepsister/stepbrother that you share every single thing in life. He/she could be Joey to your Chandler, Sam to your Frodo, Otis to your Eric. On a more serious note, missing your best friend is completely normal. Direct physical contact lost; virtual contact heightened but, you do miss hanging out with your best friends after soccer practices or after work.

“ We come from homes far from perfect, so you end up almost parent and sibling to your friends – your own chosen family. There’s nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend. Nothing. ” – Jennifer Aniston

On the way to work, while running errands, or during a break between meetings at the office, people interact with between 11 and 16 weak relationships on a typical day. These once-common encounters have vanished due to physical separation, and we no longer have visible reminders that we are part of a larger social network. We see faces half concealed under masks when we go out for needed goods or take a walk, and we are not allowed to interact.

We need to initiate weak-tie interactions because they don’t happen on their own. However, because we aren’t used to doing so, it may seem a little strange. Even before Covid-19, reaching out to weak ties was not our natural inclination. We are unsure if the other person will be interested, and we are concerned that these discussions will be awkward. Fortunately, these concerns are baseless. When people are given the task of conversing with strangers or weak relationships, the talks are more entertaining and go more smoothly than most expect.

Chapter 2:

Why Do I Feel Lonely?

Because loneliness is so widespread, it’s only natural that there are a bunch of reasons why people are lonely. Here are a handful of the most noteworthy:

Friends Seem to Be Far Off
Have you ever felt disconnected from your friends even though they are only a button press away? Ever felt like not answering the phone when your friends call you? Don’t worry; it’s a really common feeling. Solitude is different from loneliness, and it doesn’t have to be a lonely kind of thing. Most probably, you need to spend some alone time, some “me time” to think over things that have been going on in your life. After all, it is not that easy to deal with a lot of friends. But, even when spending some time to yourself, you can feel like you are missing out on a lot.

Some people go to priests, others to poetry. I go to my friends.’

– Virginia Woolf

Cupid Busy Elsewhere
Feeling alone and missing one’s best friend can be a lot to take in. If you feel lonely and think, “I miss my best friend,” chances are you know what it is like to spend time without friends. Loneliness has taken an emotional toll on people from all walks of life this couple of years. Loneliness is going around, and it’s having a pretty big impact on our lives.

Perhaps you haven’t seen your friends and loved ones in a long time. Maybe pandemic stress has caused tension in your home, leaving you feeling lonely and unhappy even though your house is packed. “I miss my best friend, I just want life to be like old times” might be something you hear very often.

Consider why you feel weak, alone to overcome your lonely feelings and find happiness as a single person. Is it tied to a previous relationship? Also, participate in activities that you both enjoy and are passionate about, such as painting, running, spending time with your younger brother, and volunteering. Additionally, focus your efforts on strengthening your other connections, such as those with your friends and family. Don’t forget to enjoy the benefits of being single, such as the extra time and energy you’d normally devote to a love relationship.

Perhaps your interests differ from those of your classmates. Maybe, no one likes to read Harry Potter as you do. Or, they have no passion for listening to K-Pop or watching those Japanese Anime that pique your interest. Or perhaps you simply dress differently. In any event, feeling out of place can add to the symptoms of loneliness and make it more difficult to make friends and feel connected.

Looking After a Family Member
Being the primary caregiver for a family member who is ill or disabled might make you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. After all, many of your friends will have no idea what it’s like to have a sibling with Down’s syndrome or a mother who suffers from bipolar disorder, so being a caregiver can make you feel as if you can’t truly talk to others, let alone invite them over for dinner or a sleepover.

Chapter 3:

When Do I Miss My Best Friend?

Loneliness can strike at any time and to anyone. You may not feel lonely for apparent reasons, and what you’re going through could always be linked to other issues such as depression or anxiety. However, it is true that many people experience loneliness during major life events.

And what’s more, is you cannot exactly recognize the person behind the masks. Perhaps it was your high school teacher who was pushing the shopping cart at the mall the other day. But, how can you go and talk if you are not sure whether it is who you think it is? In countries like Italy, you can even get charged with jail time for these once harmless conversations.

Perhaps you’re relocating. Perhaps, your parents are divorcing. Maybe you’re going from elementary to secondary school. Perhaps you just feel like you’ve outgrown your friends or that they’re getting into activities that don’t suit you anymore. All of these circumstances may make you feel lonely and lost, and you may find it challenging to connect with others.

Chapter 4:

Health Risks Associated with Loneliness

Loneliness has a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health, including:

  • Alcoholism and drug use
  • Altered brain function
  • Alzheimer’s disease progression
  • Antisocial behavior
  • Cardiovascular disease and stroke
  • Decreased memory and learning
  • Depression and suicide
  • Increased stress levels
  • Poor decision-making

Chapter 5:

Pets Can Help When I Miss My Best Friend

When you miss your best friend, you can always turn to someone who is always there with you, in your home. In other words, pets that are with you 24/7 can be a good alternative for missing friends. If you are a fan of “John Wick ”, explaining how much a pet can mean to somebody would be in vain. In the franchise, the former assassin ‘Baba Yaga’ aka John Wick, avenges his dog, which was killed by a member of a criminal organization that he helped build.

Animal companionship is arguably the most popular purpose for animals, whether as a family pet or to fight loneliness in someone who lives alone. Pets can relieve loneliness by just having a physical presence that requires routine, accountability, and consistency through feeding, playtime, and overall care. They need activity and attention, which frequently boosts personal drive and self-care activities.

In an otherwise chaotic moment, pets can provide a feeling of purpose and balance. A pet can provide a sense of purpose for certain people. Having to feed and care for your pet can be a strong cause to get out of bed and stop feeling alone.

Chapter 6:

Can Relatives Help When I Miss My Best Friend?

Can your spouse or your parents be your best friend? When you miss your work, colleagues/friends at work, or school friends, there is another alternative. Turn to the people surrounding you all the time. That is to say, consider your parents or spouse your best friend. Hang out with them and share with them everything that has been going on in your life. It would be an amazing experience to consider them as friends rather than relations.

My mom (R) and I have always been really close. She’s always been the friend that was always there. There were times when, in middle school and junior high, I didn’t have a lot of friends. But my mom was always my friend. Always.”

– Taylor Swift

Many children and adults are currently separated from their friends due to social isolation, school/office schedules, and shifting parent schedules. Do you want to know how to keep your connections intact and stop feeling alone in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Here is a list of suggestions that you can stick to.

1. Set up a Virtual Meeting or Phone Date
Making weekly “phone dates” with friends or family members and holding each other accountable to keeping the date is a good way to deal with missing your best friend. While it may be difficult to meet in person during COVID-19, you may always say hello via Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or your chosen video chat program. While setting screen time limits is important, it may be worthwhile to “widen” these to allow for social interactions. It’s normal to rely on messaging when you’re not around your friends. On the other hand, messages will not suffice if you haven’t seen them in several weeks. Instead of relying on a screen to interact with them, pick up the phone and call them. Better yet, video chat! It’s not the same as meeting in person, but it’s close enough to show that you spent time together.

2. Watch a Movie or TV Show “Together.”
Choose a film or television show that both you and your other friend or family member enjoy, then invite a friend and their family to watch it with you online. Many streaming services have added these tools since the coronavirus outbreak – Netflix, for example, offers a tool for hosting online viewing parties. Movies can take a lot of your time and keep you preoccupied for a long time. If you and your friends are into superhero movies, debate over what’s better; Marvel Universe or DC universe. Or, if you are into detective stories, give it a go at BBC Sherlock. Join Discord or Facebook discussion groups to discuss the new trailers of your favourite movies and Easter Eggs in these trailers. There are so many tv shows and sitcoms that you will be able to enjoy together. You will no longer feel alone. Although you may miss your closest pals the most, you’re probably used to mingling with people other than them. This is especially true if you’re an outgoing or extrovert person. Reconnecting with a childhood buddy is an excellent method to boost your social meter. You only see your cousins over the holidays, but do you always have a good time with them? Make a virtual cousin night a reality! Don’t forget about those students with whom you enjoy engaging throughout the week but who you don’t see on weekends—you’re probably missing them as well!

3. Layout a Scavenger Hunt
This could be a fantastic way to get some exercise and be outside at the same time! Also, it would be a good way to stop feeling alone. Play Pokémon Go or geocaching, or hide stuff with other families in your community. (If your child and friends are looking for COVID-19 at the same time, use masks and keep a safe distance between them.) This one, in particular, may require some parental ingenuity, but it will be well worth the effort.

4. Write Letters & Say ‘I Miss My Best Friend’
We’ve all taken a liking to engage with technology to the point where this one may be forgotten. However, believe us when we say that putting words on to engage with a friend has value for children and adults. Waiting for their pal to answer is never boring! So, take your time to hint to your best friend that you feel alone without him or her.

5. Start a Pandemic Book Club With Friends
Curling up with a good book during quarantine is not only safe and educational, but it can also be a bonding experience. Make regular video chats with your pals to discuss their views, ideas, and perspectives on a book they’re excited to read. Book Challenges through Instagram and Facebook are increasingly popular these days. You can tag your friends to a Facebook post and challenge them to nominate others with a liking to reading.

6. Renew Existing Relationships
You probably already have people in your life who you could learn more about or familial relationships that might be strengthened. If that’s the case, why not call your pals more often, get out with them more, and find other methods to enjoy and deepen your existing relationships? Don’t be headstrong to tell your friends you miss them. If you’re having trouble finding the drive to connect with your loved ones, start small. Make a list of one supportive friend or family member to whom you could reach out. It’s also comforting to know that having a strong social support network can help your mental health. Renewing your relationship would be a perfect way to address your situation of feeling alone.

7. Spend Some “Me Time”
Have a little “me time”. Make a date with yourself to distract yourself from your thoughts of loneliness. Do you have a pastime you’ve always wanted to try or a home improvement project on your to-do list that you’ve been putting off? Take some time to invest in yourself and your passions while keeping your mind engaged.

8. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is defined as international action taken to improve one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Self-care can take many different forms. It could be getting adequate sleep each night or getting some fresh air by stepping outside for a few minutes.

When you’re feeling lonely, make sure you’re taking care of yourself in other ways as well. Self-care is usually a good idea, but it’s especially important when you’re depressed. In the long run, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and getting adequate sleep can only make you feel better. Bonus: For fitness and social connection, enroll in a workout class or join a running club.

Chapter 7:

To Conclude

When we hit a patch in life, our go-to response is to tell our closest friend what happened. However, as of now, loneliness coupled with despair about the future has hit hard. You or your loved ones may be quarantined or got infected with Covid-19. So, it is important to remember your loved ones, not be alone in these hard times. It is okay to miss your best friend. After all, he or she is perhaps the one you share everything with.

Loneliness, on the other hand, can have a massive impact on your health, it’s critical to understand the signals that you’re lonely. It’s also important to distinguish between being alone and being lonely.

If missing friends and feeling alone affect your health, there are some things you can do to meet new people and get the social support you need. Make an effort to form new friendships and spend time talking with people you know. Consult a therapist if you’re still having problems. Whatever you choose, remember that there are those who can help you through this.

FAQs
What do you do when you miss your best friend?

Can you have friends but still feel lonely?

What do you do when you are alone and have no friends?


"Learnt a lot from this course" Sally

51 sections

6-Weeks Self-Paced

  • Educational Content
  • Quizzes
  • Self-reflection material
  • Suggestions & feedback
  • Worksheet, tips & tools to use

$9.00 $12.00

25% discount