I Have No Friends | Courtney Ryman | TEDxGeorgetown

"Meaningful connections are crucial to our wellbeing, but what is life like without friends? As someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder, I will discuss the struggles of forming and maintaining friendships, and how I'm working to be brave."
Strength can be found even in times of weakness and Ryman hopes to inspire the Georgetown community to find the bravery to reach out for help. Her non-traditional journey to the Hilltop brought an underlying struggle with mental illness to the surface as she works to actively destigmatize mental illness and speak about the value of human connection. Strength can be found even in times of weakness and Ryman hopes to inspire the Georgetown community to find the bravery to reach out for help. Her non-traditional journey to the Hilltop brought an underlying struggle with mental illness to the surface as she works to actively destigmatize mental illness and speak about the value of human connection. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@asha_vere]

"I can go a whole week, and only receive a text from my mom" Damn, I felt that..

[@RaikenXion]

Hello would you like to be my friend? Im lonely, fed up of work, i used to like drawing but my motivation has gone. I need someone to help me :)

[@arifafahmida4045]

@@RaikenXion same.which country do u live?

[@kimliptraumatizedbycocomon2314]

Me too

[@asha_vere]

@@RaikenXion same :/ I'm in America though

[@cappyrage7649]

Hi! Just wanted to say that to you today:)

[@SinainKorea]

It's comforting to hear someone else experiences this. I honestly was beginning to think I was alone. Not having friends can sometimes feel very painful. Thank you for being so brave.

[@africanliving294]

This is crazy but if you want to become friends (even just online ones) I'm totally down.

[@veraivakic]

Thank God i'am not alone too.

[@Mysterynovel49]

Yea it helps to know you're not alone 😌

[@vannessacoonrod397]

You definitely are not alone.

[@JD-og3io]

!!!

[@Wallflowerzizme]

I hate when people say I don’t have friends and they don’t mean it literally. Like I honest to god have NO friends. What a good speech though

[@BeepBoop-z2v]

Same

[@Aethelhadas]

Same

[@datgurlky1]

Exactly

[@bethhollins3556]

Only people who have friends are happy enough to even joke about it.

[@jademickey4567]

Same

[@edwardduda4222]

All my "friends" are people who talk to me when they want to, but completely ignore me otherwise.

[@fn4957]

Know your self worth and walk away

[@beckymaggie4606]

I know what you mean

[@israhashim7136]

Same.

[@prayfortheworld7960]

Yeah.They talk to you but when you got a problem everyone just dont care but when their got a problem their come to you😇😇😇😇Its so hurt.

[@unsocialgremlin4834]

Same...

[@danapixelated2277]

I haven't had friends in a decade. Almost everyone has devalued me or abandoned me. Family, friends, whatever. I haven't abandoned myself though. And you shouldn't either. Just because other people can't see your beauty or your true character, doesn't mean you don't have any. Just means they aren't looking hard enough. Stay strong people. Love yourself. Xoxo.

[@Wyebank]

I loved this. You are strong and amazing!

[@kerajordan2934]

I resonate with you..i have had a life time of abandonment and therefore i dont hold much faith in any relationship..the only people i would not give up on even though they physically and mentally abused me were my kids who i build bridges with everyday...but this only happened when i didnt give up on myself so good on you...never give up ❤💜...il be your friend

[@sw01237]

This has happened to me as well. It has been very difficult to come to terms with that since my father died but I'm trying

[@kerajordan2934]

@@sw01237 Honestly dont give up..iv learned there can be something good around the corner..i still struggle with trust in people but iv decided even solo i will make my life complete for myself and no one else i will continue to search for goodness in people and if i get burned again il smile and say goodbye to that toxicity that doesnt serve me anymore because we deserve better x

[@rogue-gal]

danapixelated. Omg 😯. It feels like you wrote my own life....... I’m in exactly same state.

[@masternobody0]

- Standing alone is better than standing with people who don’t value you. - So it is ok to be alone

[@j.cwalkes5822]

You sure ?😔

[@masternobody0]

@@j.cwalkes5822 Yes i had experience before

[@j.cwalkes5822]

@@masternobody0 I sorry . I felt your pain . I so lonely even the depressed people don't even want me and my biological family ,I was adopted and i only have adopted family a very small group . Anyway i guess people only like to used people for they kindness and what they can get and people say they are not the same as you give everything they leave you like the Siberian desert dry with nothing 😟

[@joseanurkkalainen2832]

but what if i don't want to be alone?

[@masternobody0]

@@joseanurkkalainen2832 Go out and find someone who had similarity with you. Respect and trust each other.

[@maam2542]

I am 61 and I have never had a best friend or friends in general. I have learned to accept this is just me. I am complete, I am fulfilled.

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

Kay we are a social species, you can't deny genetics hon u would be happier with friends no matter how much u trick yourself otherwise

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

SuTen exactly

[@peacegoddess5]

i love not having friends lol

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

Peace Goddess I guarantee you have friends. If not I'll give u a million dollars. I'm the confident you're lying.

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

Peace Goddess .... silence...

[@sarahbitar1472]

It just hurts me watching all my instagram "friends" go out everyday and have the time of their life with different group of friends while I sit at home eveyday contemplating my existence. I just feel so lonely it kills me :(

[@funnymemos3056]

I too am a loner. I put on a great show when people are around but I don’t have the energy for friendship. I have a ton of people I talk to on most days but they aren’t friends

[@craigsmith1365]

You are beautiful, believe it,it's true!

[@KAHHHH8548]

I'm so sorry. I know how you feel

[@piperwright7358]

aha! this! always happens to me. after exams, all my classmates go out, and post on their stories and i just sit at home. on top of that, my mom yells at me. for not having friends. WHAT DO I DO

[@starzintheskyz4477]

You're not alone girl

[@jessyjulie5506]

It's so embarrassing to admit I dont have friends. I usually just lie about it.

[@bobo-kj6od]

Me too.

[@Wristreveal]

Me too.

[@hmpz36911]

I'm such an introvert that it takes me years to notice when I don't have friends 😅

[@TehKitteh01]

I used to be embarrassed about it but now, I laugh about it. I mean, sure, it's lonely sometimes but it also means I don't have to worry about back stabbing, rumors and ultimately feeling worthless when a friend walks out on me. It means I don't have to say "yes" to plans then feel guilty when at the last minute, I decide I don't want to go (thanks, social anxiety). I think I am a decent person and if that isn't reason enough for people to be friends with me, then their loss. I'm a loner...and it is what it is.

[@Aethelhadas]

@totallylooneytunes those are bad kind of companionship. i'd rather not to call them 'friends'

[@swaggylanoil250]

When you're in a friend group and they have a separate group chat to make plans without you

[@nenonxo1951]

Shadow Monster 😢 i’m in this situation

[@tayamiranda]

i left a groupchat recently with 30+ people who continuously had parties and nobody cared to invite me. there's no point trying to seek approval with people who have no interest. drop them.

[@ppzxz9339]

Yeah;(

[@DarkWandererAU]

ouch, that is really rough. What you have to realise though, is the fact that they do something like that, means that they see you as something "less than" the rest of them. You're better than that. Drop these turds like radioactive waste and find people who treat you like a person. I recommended doing an interest of yours in public to meet like-minded people then taking it from there. I joined a Martial Arts gym, and after sorting through the assholes I made a friend.

[@Matevo72]

Used to have to deal with that till they ditched me

[@f.r.etling6226]

All of these comments make me feel like I’m not alone. Us friendless people need to have each other’s backs.

[@whitenights4524]

So true.

[@datgurlky1]

Right we need to become friends.

[@Its.nice2b_nice]

@@datgurlky1 🙋🏻‍♀️ *waving a Florida hello* 🌴🌻

[@datgurlky1]

@@Its.nice2b_nice 😊 Hello from Michigan. It's 37 degrees Fahrenheit here. Don't you dare tell me the temperature there. Lol

[@Its.nice2b_nice]

@dangboof *I hoñestly am aloñe, añd very loñely, living with chroñic paiñ, ño friends, ño life just paiñ, makes this a real, sad useless existence, there's only 1 subscriber oñ my page, I don't kno who it is,that's not a friend cuz they neva said hello, don't kno hw to delete it*

[@jroberts7387]

When she said he could go a whole week and only get a text from her mom, I felt that. I'm in the same situation.

[@papercut1471]

jroberts7387 :(

[@Isabella-fn3tf]

Damm, I can't even get my family's messages through the week. Most of the time is me who starts conversations...

[@janenjeri8847]

I felt that to

[@radicalmama135]

ditto

[@NAZGULLAK]

No1 is texting me. Even family.

[@lasagnas6404]

She feels like the person I'd like to be friends with

[@rrraynoorrr]

@Ladies Entertainment Parlour That's a great idea

[@keylimepie8426]

Me too

[@keylimepie8426]

@Ladies Entertainment Parlour I want to be friends.

[@saransundaram2603]

She is like the one girl at school who judges people by their character and not looks

[@marygraceberon8690]

Same here, momoring. I don't have friends too.

[@Guitargasm1000]

I gave up on friends. People are too wrapped up in their own lives. Social media is distorting reality. To all of you... You're a rockstar in this world too! Don't ever feel bad for oversights of your value when it comes to others. I got away from farcebook.. Etc.... You should. Be well

[@Guitargasm1000]

✌✌

[@rielleh5905]

I agree👏🏼

[@skingerskanger]

You said it

[@TheArtkaw]

Using Facebook or Instagram of whatever is just a scapegoat on your antisocial behavior.

[@Aster_Risk]

@@TheArtkaw The truth is somewhere in the middle. The behaviors and the social media feed one another. Also, being antisocial is hard for people. It's not necessarily about blame.

[@thenameless2379]

I literally have no friends...I'm not kidding. However I feel at peace being alone. Everytime I tried to make a friend I was rejected. I don't know why, it used to hurt, but now I'm happy about it. No friends means no suffering, no betrayal just peace.

[@oreodoesit]

Felt that

[@qkai7796]

That’s true, well I sometimes wish to talk to someone but I have become more independent when I don’t

[@keylimepie8426]

I agree. I also, have no friends.

[@barbarastrayhorn4667]

Go visit someone in a nursing home. A lot of these people have no friends either but they usually have a lot of stories to tell.

[@davidthomas9947]

I feel the same way. In this day and age, people just aren't normal and right in the head. People are quick to use you, lie, backstab you, etc. There are some decent people out here but it's very rare.

[@kristinalowe8627]

I enjoy being alone. I don’t have to deal with other people’s drama. I have my pets, my hobbies and my goals. I make no apologies to anyone. God bless all of you folks who feel badly about having no friends; be a friend to yourself! 😘❤️🌸

[@BerilK846]

Same here! Unless they are happy and aligned, they just get triggered by whatever I do.

[@spicymango92]

All of us friendless folk in the comments❤️ I wish we all could get together for tea

[@kotrena]

It reminds me of a Soviet film where Cheburashka offered to build a house for people who search for friends so that they could find friends there. It would be cool if we had something like that IRL

[@Aster_Risk]

@@kotrena Oh, man. If I could I would start something like that.

[@NuSanniang]

😭😭

[@TranceGurl20]

Haha it's so easy to make friends on the internet but difficult in person. How strange huh

[@sandrineguillou3744]

i want tea!!

[@johnnymaldonado983]

I have no close friends. Just acquaintances 😭

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

Johnny Maldonado then you're exaggerating? That's friendships

[@otterwhitewaterider7812]

I totally get it. There is a huge difference between acquaintances and friends.

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

Otter Whitewaterider But isn't that everyone? It's better than nothing, and completely different to someone who has no one.

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

@@John_Halo so what's the solution? Join a club, make friends at the gym or at work or at the shops.

[@isaacdiaz3221]

Same, I know some people but I couldn't take them as my "friends". But well, friendship started going to be an awful concept for me.

[@davidefacchini1005]

Who, like me, is searching on the internet these things just to desperately find something to relate to?

[@whitenights4524]

Well internet is the best friend of the lonely people. We would be doomed without it..

[@IB-ow3gt]

Yep

[@nerdypeachmango]

Yes. 😩

[@postitdude1]

@@whitenights4524 Books were the original friends of lonely people!

[@Bob-ej1er]

Definitely. Everyone wants to feel seen and understood. I think that's why a lot of people connect with the musical Dear Evan Hansen because everyone experiences loneliness to some capacity. If you want to chat in the future, I'd be up for exchanging emails/snap.

[@steveincali1]

In my 50's and never had 1 friend in my entire life--been some challenging and lonely times for sure. For those in this boat try to remember there is nothing wrong with you and that it is just part of your life experience! Love, compassion, and self-acceptance is key.

[@SinainKorea]

steveincali1 💜💜💜

[@2jcward]

Why didn’t you have any friends?

[@lillybuckle]

💕💕

[@aishwaryasinha890]

I'm 23 and have had no friends for yeras. Sometimes i fear i'll die alone because no one will want to marry me either. Did you find someone who understands? If not how to cope?

[@joprocter4573]

Earth angels travel alone

[@professorwoland3181]

I have no friends either, but am not lonely, so it’s okay. The friends I’ve had in the past always made me feel like I was truly alone

[@eifionphillips3004]

It's funny how people can make you feel worse than being alone.

[@manvi1103]

My friends in past left me like nothing and I felt that they are my life. Every thing was perfect when we were together but after the school they didn't even cared if I'm living or dying.

[@eifionphillips3004]

@@manvi1103 Happened to me, some people are just users and want the popularity and someone to entertain them instead of actually caring about people themselves. A lot of people have Asperger's syndrome and these are the people who don't call much and can't be there for you emotionally, why? because they mentally can't understand what the other person goes through by putting themselves in your shoes, they lack sensitivity and compassion and never say sorry, i know because i know too many with this condition. I don't have friends with Aspergers anymore as they are so negative and always moan and slag people off and they bring me down!

[@pranaykohli5205]

@@manvi1103 same with me

[@manvi1103]

@@eifionphillips3004 hmm but still surprisingly life was going beautifully with them 😢

[@abernathymonsoon4638]

Thank you for sharing a very private part of your life, so we may learn. That took guts.

[@davemwangi05]

Forgive me for laughing at your statement, "... sharing a very private part..." Aaahahahahahahaaa.

[@davemwangi05]

@mary sunshine You did what? You Farted?

[@davemwangi05]

@mary sunshine oh sorry, sorry, sorry. That's so shameful of me. I will have to stop taking these methamphetamines. I'm going crazy.

[@BlackLabelSlushie]

Abernathy Monsoon You should see my home videos

[@f.u.c8308]

Especially because people use “you have no friends” as an insult.

[@50shekels]

“I am a good person, and a good friend” I don’t care if I’m gonna go through the rest of my life without anyone even batting an eye in my direction, but I know I am those two things

[@dylswife8048]

Same.

[@Fleepage]

Same

[@lots3799]

At least you know who you are ,and you accept it. Some people don't know who they are, and continue to hang around toxic people who they think are their friends.

[@7minutesago4yearsago29]

I'm glad I'm at least one of those things

[@enbi5440]

I want to be that kind of person.

[@matthewtzou7095]

It’s so unbelievably difficult to live without friends in today’s society. For me, most “friends” I make end up just using me and leaving me in the worst ways possible, and some people I truly befriend are put off by how I have no friends and that they wouldn’t view me the same way after. Nowadays I just kind of adopt to living with no friends instead of dealing with drama. It’s pretty dang powerful how she has the confidence to talk about this to the Internet, since this is a problem that is truly hard to admit for people with no friends.

[@matthewtzou7095]

@marthias lim Thank you for those words! I’m grateful to have a very good relationship with my family, though now as a college student and with corona, I haven’t been able to spend much time with them. I feel that with corona it’s becoming increasingly difficult to face the fact that I may be spending future holidays or special events by myself, though I try to learn to enjoy life on my own.

[@lainoh9578]

I've always been a lonesome soul. I found that while I desired for close intimate relationships, someone to call a best friend or a soulmate, I actually thrive when I'm alone. I've had friends throughout the years but eventually they fade into oblivion because they move on and I move on and it's like we never crossed paths. But I am completely comfortable with my lonesomeness. I don't crave human interaction in a way that most people do. I interact with others daily in my job but in the privacy of my home, I am completely alone. I like it that way. I don't think I would be changing any time soon.

[@sophrosynemind]

ahh.. I absolutely relate to that entire history and present situation of yours.... i remember even with friends I used to pull back for a week or two... to restore my peace... they knew that I needed my me time. back when I used to have a huge bunch... mostly coz I was a student... Now I am a freelance writer... all my work is online... and guess my friends too... people from other countries... Netizens... with whom I have good conversations and maybe video calls once in a while... all the connection I need. And knowing them I can say... we are a huge number.... People who can't be bothered to make friends, or date, marry or have children, because we don't see the need for it. Instead we use our time to do things that make us happy and have each other to take comfort in.

[@ohhemmgeeitsjenna]

I feel the exact same way. The human interactions i experience in my my job is more than enough for me.

[@carboz959]

I think there is something in our DNA that biologically pushes us to interact with other people. And when a person fights this group mentality or gestalt mind set, some form of pain results. I'd rather experience that pain rather than be something I am not.

[@susanwatson8691]

Lain oh I recognise your life. I am just like you. Thank you for your honesty.

[@Nat0528]

This is me spot on! Like I like people, and i enjoy the fleeting laughter and moments shared! But beyond anything else... I enjoy my own company best!

[@swetajh9008]

I had no friends for 21 years yes! And I'm 22. But since a year I started only thinking about my self care. I exercised, meditated, prayed everyday, read good books, worked hard for my goals and smiled more and more even without cause and started to be unnecessarily nicer to everyone. Things change guys! Life gets better! I felt like giving up for so long still sometimes negativity tries to get the best of me. But I will not stop. I want my mind under my control. So love yourself and work on yourself. True friends will eventually come.. and friends could be anyone. ❤ Please keep smiling. Your smile is so cute. 😊

[@pranaykohli5205]

Thanks sweta you feel me happy.

[@brendajohnston3236]

Thanks.

[@sofijasmiljanic3698]

Can i find you on facebook? I'm 20 and i feel the same😊

[@pranaykohli5205]

@@sofijasmiljanic3698 I am facebook . Will you be my friend

[@sofijasmiljanic3698]

@@pranaykohli5205 yes

[@mimiham6194]

I can make friends easily. After getting to know them, which can take a few weeks to a few years, I find it hard to maintain the friendship and I usually don’t. I would rather be alone than put up with drama or narcissism. I’m a great listener, very generous, always ask how they are doing or remember what our last conversation was so I can ask about them in a caring way. I rarely get that in return. It doesn’t make me mad, I just lose interest in the friendship. I’m so glad I have a hobby of quilting that keeps me busy and content.

[@kenishahammond3935]

I absolutely can relate to you on that. I've spent much of my time uplifting others and all I got i return are back stabbers. It hurt me but I got over it and started protecting my energy.

[@denamullen340]

Mimi Ham Same here. I tend to feel like they don’t really want to actually hang out after an awesome connection and good conversation, days go by and it’s the end because of whatever reasons. I can’t bother with it anymore, I learned I need to be my own very best friend for awhile and focus on me and my family. Honestly that takes enough time. I’d enjoy a best friend that just understands me and my ways and could get together a couple times a month, that be awesome.

[@lots3799]

At least the quilt can't hurt you ,or cheat on you.

[@lots3799]

@@kenishahammond3935 Me too. I finally decided to think of myself. Lift weights, maintain a healthy diet, and I'm also money ahead. No drama,insults ,arguing.

[@lots3799]

@Katherine Alexandra Same here,and they only communicate when they want something.

[@gessrinky9129]

I realized I had no friends when the people whom I considered friends didn’t invite me to their weddings or life events. Learned I misinterpreted many relationships in life for a long time. It’s humiliating.

[@teetawn9454]

sorry, hope it gets better someday,

[@JayNa886]

I rather be alone than having friends who take advantage from me.

[@pinky9440]

Or friends that are just missing in action when you need them.... we all know those ones.

[@michaeladams6154]

Had friends get revealed as both these types last year

[@llordmakisigsantiago7098]

That is not a friend

[@angieskidney]

Exactly! Yes I had been taken advantage of a few times...

[@llordmakisigsantiago7098]

the only friend i got its Jewel the smart person in our class then me we talk about strange disturbing facts that i rather not mention

[@biljam972]

I am hypochondriac, have depression and anxiety and I think I am very unlikable as I am asocial person, introvert and have no idea how to deal with people. This is why I have no friends at all. I literally don't know how to small talk, and even few minutes of talking to someone exhausts me so much I need to escape. That is seen as sign of "unfriendly" person, so they all avoid me. I sometimes think people hate me because they can see I am not normal and they are afraid or repulsed by that.

[@TheAmyShows]

Biljana Malesevic same

[@teodoraghioc3106]

maybe your hypochondria makes you think you have depression an anxiety (jk) Hope you overcome everything. Despite everything crazy happening right now in this world, life is too precious. You are not unlikeable, you try to conmect to the wrong people. Been there. Sending happy thoughts.

[@biljam972]

@@teodoraghioc3106 thank you, that is possible. At this point I am not sure what causes what. I am just so tired.

[@gothicshawty5676]

I’ve never read something so honest and true. I experience the same thing. I also feel like people hate me because I cannot stand small talk and I am very antisocial. It’s weird how similar this post of yours is to me. I also am a hypochondriac and very anxious. I think too much, I think people can sense that.

[@biljam972]

@@gothicshawty5676 thanl you for nice words. It's hard to understand people like us. I am still not able to manage relationships with people and it gets harder to try with years going by.

[@ia-yq4hv]

I haven’t had a close friend since middle school and I’ve felt so lonely for so long. It gets painful sometimes and has given me a bad habit of overthinking. But tomorrow is my first day going to college in person and not online. I’m going to try my best to be confident, put myself out there, and make friends. Please cheer me on! 💖

[@tom4412]

Hey how was college

[@ImranKhan-tj3dr]

You are well come 👫👫💗💗🌹🌹 I m alone I like best friend

[@damianmicky]

"i am a good person, i am worthy of friends" this has been my plea to the universe since time immemorable.

[@solomontraore4366]

You're not alone bro.

[@thomas-5417]

I’m a teenage boy. Right now is the time I should be hanging out with my friends, skipping curfew, going on dates, doing illegal things, whatever. Instead, my best friend is my little sister, I spend time reading and playing the Sims, I’ve never dated anyone, and thinking deeply about whatever I want. Sometimes I’ve wished I was different, and that I could give up my introverted ways, but I prefer myself the way I am.

[@Rynntastic01]

It's actually one of my long term goals to form a strong friend group 😎😎😎

[@varietyyachtsvessels6769]

Glad your not doing illegal things.

[@Tier100]

join a sports club, do something where you can compete with other men, trust me it helps fighting lonliness

[@Tier100]

@Rafee Kazi you should always show respect to your competitors

[@foloeel]

Friends come and go, your sister will always be there.

[@MicheleHerrmann]

Same. I know many people and suggest getting together with them. Never happens. I go out of my way to help others, without any expectations, but don't get the same in return.

[@bitcoinski]

Same with moi. My friends always needing someone to play the ROBIN role....never again...I'd rather be alone...as depressing as this may be...fml...

[@mathematicalninja2756]

Better live alone than pleasing those ungrateful existences lmao

[@shanmarwein6288]

Same here.

[@courtneyhenley681]

same here. plus people tend to betray me in major ways

[@avag1334]

Awh me too :( sounds arrogant but often times I wish I could be my own friend

[@elianab1794]

I have friends, but friends who see me as the second choice. I feel so alone because nobody cares.

[@YasminMahnaz]

Be the smartest in your class.. and keep moving towards your goals..e.g best organized.. read more books.. instead vocabulary.. learn French online etc... eventually you will study in other colleges, university's and meet other ppl that you can relate to.

[@UNLIMITED-DAN]

Yea I hate the 2nd choice thing in a way. Infact, most of the time I'm the Last Choice, Last to be Picked in a event/trip/team activity. Last to be picked whenever I play any sport related game... And I'm not bad at sports (Except for Football because I'm a horrible goal keeper, I'm better as a midfielder). They probably just pick me last because I don't say much.

[@xannaxjah8866]

@youtuby girl omg same

[@UNLIMITED-DAN]

2nd choice is meh. Last Choice is where the pain is at.

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

@@UNLIMITED-DAN and when you do say something, they get defensive, like "how dare you speak out place" So I just keep quiet, if I get picked last or not at all I don't say anything. I've learned to accept where I stand. I hope at times the friends I do have, slowly forget about me. I can then just focus on me.

[@Cayceelizabeth]

Im 28 and have literally 0 friends except my animals. Society makes it hard for good genuine people now days

[@matt1580]

Lol I’m 29 and I feel ya

[@justvlogging9155]

Hey everyone i really want to connect with you all

[@Cdub31]

Tons people feel self absorbed. I don’t understand people at times. In the end you really all you got .

[@laurafernanda5323]

I feel you

[@emremokoko]

ergo the profile photo! :)

[@danieloleary1129]

I'm 70 years old and my "friends" are my myriad of Doctors I see, the only people I see. My GP, Specialists, technicians etc. At times I'm so lonely I want to swallow a handful of pills. I have nothing to live for and feel useless and think "who would cry for me if (when) I die?" The true answer is NO ONE. The world would go on as if I never ever existed. Most nights I lay awake in bed wishing I could just stop breathing. It's said that suicide is the coward's way out but to my thinking you need a huge amount of courage to even approach that precipice.. Thank You for taking the time to read this comment.

[@danieloleary1129]

@Tiffany's Piece of Cake Thank You Tiffany. Do you really want to befriend a 70 year old Canadian man? I'll afraid I'll be too much of a burden. BTW I know the Internet can be a scary dangerous place but I am who I appear to be. I'm even afraid of you. Actually my best friend is my cat,

[@e.falcon6732]

Hi Daniel - Your honesty took courage as well. Thank you for sharing. So I second Tiffany in another offer of friendship.

[@lynnmarieanderson1744]

I felt so sad reading your comment. Please don't give up on life and don't give up on people entirely. Maybe the way your feeling means you need to do something differently, like try to find some type of activity where you can meet people of a variety of ages, maybe joining a book discussion group at a library??? I have problems with severe depression myself, what gets me out of my shell is I like to sing and sometimes I go to a local bar on the weekend and do karaoke. It's just fun!!! I truly wish you the best.

[@CandidatePay]

You can do this! If we can survive Canadian cold, we can build and join a community again :)

[@whizz8871]

Daniel, you must reach out and take courage to do whatever it takes to not feel bad, aka do whatever it takes to make you feel good

[@jazzy-jx7216]

This was recommended me. How did youtube know?

[@sueg2658]

KZbin tracks EVERYTHING you look at. Then they run an algorithm on stats collected to determine your interests.

[@dinasimone9815]

I personally believe they made thats choice for me because i watch a lot of Dr.Who 😭

[@Bernie3000]

Jazzy-J X I’d be your friend!

[@mariahsanchez8882]

Right? KZbin is like “surely she has no friends with how many KZbin videos she watches”

[@nozecone]

I'm expecting the next video they recommend to be entitled "You Have no Friends".

[@kenishahammond3935]

I have no friends and feel so free. I now can focus on myself and manifest the things I want. If you love the person your with which is yourself, then you can never be alone.

[@veronicanicholls7132]

I have learned to live without friends and I am happy Some people are meant to be alone. Once you accept that you will be free to enjoy life.

[@oppressednolonger1497]

manifest?

[@Lucas_ramirez67]

I’m 37 years old, I have two kids, and I still talk to my stuffed bear because there is literally no one else.

[@valentinarose9165]

Wow, we have identical situations 🙏🏾

[@kristenb180]

Same except I”m 44 and I have three kids.I talk to my cats lol

[@irisrose4732]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@saraboutin2210]

I upgraded to a dog from my stuffed animals

[@suzyliller9081]

You look beautiful, I can’t believe it!! I’m in the same situation though... 38 divorced one big girl at least we can support each other here!

[@KurtRWarner]

I can relate to having no friends. No one calls me, I don't get any invites. I have had to go through this for many years...and it hurts.

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

Kurt R. Warner I'm sure you have a few friends.

[@varietyyachtsvessels6769]

Kurt, join a club or organization where you can meet like-minded individuals. Give it some time and don't come across as desperate. Have pride in your appearance every time you go out into public places. Good luck!

[@Bob-ej1er]

"It's a lonely world full of people who are afraid to make the first move" @ the film green book. If someone wants something, its up to them to actively peruse it (I.e. initiating conversations, try friending apps Bumble BFF, etc.). It isn't easy making friends, but if you keep at it someone is bound to stick. I'd be up for exchanging emails/snap or something, if you want to talk.

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

@@Bob-ej1er only people with no experience in this topic would say something like you just said. It isn't that simple. If it were, no one would be lonely in the first place.

[@Bob-ej1er]

@@rollerbladinggeek5507I said that because for a long time I would rarely initiate anything. I expected if someone wanted to talk to me, they would just approach me. Passively waiting didn't really get me anywhere. I may not have gotten the results I wanted yet, but at least I can be proud of myself for trying to take some control of my life. However I apparently have no experience in this topic, so don't listen to me.

[@abigailhutchinson5487]

i have “friends” but they never text me or ask to hangout. i always text first and carry on the entire conversation. i’m the one who has to arrange plans. i hate it

[@yumi8928]

exactly me. i have to invite them to hangout first all the time or else we won't meet up. it sucks so much.

[@c-train3630]

I had a friend and she came to my house quite a bit but she never invited me to her house or wanted to celebrate her b-day with me.

[@davidthomas9947]

I would get away from them as fast as you can. If you don't, you will keep getting used.

[@havannah5173]

i asked my two "friends" if they wanted to hang out during the weekend and they said "sure." next thing i know they went on a road trip to california without even telling me about it that same weekend.

[@rashelm.32]

baby jimin I have asked my “friend” to hang out several times. We’ve never even hung out before but known each other for years. This girl STRAIGHT UP told me she doesn’t wanna hang out with me, yet weeks later it’s still me for some reason who receives her 30 texts a day even tho I’ve made it clear “do not speak to me anymore.”

[@GoldArmored]

Animals. The best friends you can have.

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

This would appear to be very much true

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

as long as you have food for them

[@cherrybomb2600]

@@rollerbladinggeek5507 And $$$ for vet, teeth cleaning, grooming, ect. Adoption is for life. The joy & comfort they give is priceless.

[@paolaa3702]

they’re not judgmental. they don’t care they love you unconditionally

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

@@cherrybomb2600 but you need that money in order to afford that price

[@JohnAnderson-kl9pl]

AA has sponsors, people who will step up when you're troubled and about to have a drink. Why isn't there any organizations that will be there when you are lonely? Lonely people getting together when loneliness gets overwhelming.

[@yanzi8543]

It might help but the thing is that people don't relate to just anybody. You can be among others and still feel lonely.

[@dianehorrell6107]

A great question. Lonesomness Anonymous. Let's do it!

[@CMM726]

@@yanzi8543 great idea! Why don't you start that group? People start groups and movements all the time. Why not u?

[@teresamesa]

people coast on their friends they made as teens, then lovers, then family. if you missed the train or had a fall out, you are SCREWED. no one will reach out to you and chances are, other loners are just as insecure as you.

[@KellyMagovern]

Loneliness is a huge problem in places like Japan and South Korea, but over there they have services where you can literally "rent" a friend or even an entire family to spend time with you. And they'll just hang with you and listen to you. Apparently, it helps people there. The "Asian Boss" KZbin channel has several videos about the subject. Just type "Asian Boss rent" and you'll see several videos in the search results. It would be interesting if services like that developed in Western countries.

[@BeyondBeauty-p9e]

I never had a friend since when I was 10, if the universe going to give me an opportunity to have a friend I'm gonna accept it even if it's only one.

[@RubyGranger8]

This is incredible -- so intensely raw, heartfelt and brave.

[@kepppingupwhittheandersson]

Absolutely beautiful

[@urltima]

How do people memorize their ENTIRE speech???? I can BARELY remember my own name damn.

[@JV-eh3lh]

Cause it's not just memorizing. You feel what you're saying. It's something you have given a lot of thought to anyway

[@XBOXSUCHTI34]

There are monitors and they are displaying the text

[@candysweet434]

because they practice it hundreds of times

[@candysweet434]

G4MMA you’re either very naive or not very bright. most ted speakers memorize their speeches, if they can’t they use note cards or teleprompters. people who have done ted talks say they practice for hours upon hours over several months to perfect it. one scientist even said she practiced her speech 200 times. no one can give a great speech if they don’t practice it.

[@candysweet434]

G4MMA you’re right, i apologize

[@robostripez]

I can unequivocally say I have zero friends nor have I had any real friends. I am 23 years old never once have I been deliberately invited by myself to hangout with someone just me and them nobody around. I feel failed as a human being and don’t understand where I went wrong and how to fix this. Not like any one on a random video cares but it feels Good just typing these words into the universe.

[@KTR2022]

I understand you. I ask the same questions myself.

[@erinnlynn7]

I feel the same way, I’m 22 and I’ve never been over to a friend’s house and I really just feel completely useless in social interactions.

[@niallquinn9128]

Be the flame, not the moth.

[@NitaJain]

You're in good company, Ben. Over a decade's worth of poor health (the last 5 being life-threatening) has left me friendless at 26, too. I don't think you've failed at all and your experience is more universal than you think

[@malkiatteberry2954]

You’re not alone. I’m sending you tons of positive vibes.

[@ИлхамЖуматов]

I wish I had at least one friend whom I can share my feelings. I don't want to die alone. Not once I have thought of committing suicide lately but I decided not to because of these comments. After reading these comments I felt that I'm not lonely. Thank you all and I wish you all to have lifelong friends and be happy!!!

[@starzintheskyz4477]

You're not alone in feeling this way, it's not easy but we'll get through these lonely times:) hugs from Ohio 💚

[@ИлхамЖуматов]

I was able to get through this feeling now, thank you all for supporting me. I realized that I had to feel this in order to understand what real happiness is, which I had looked for it in a wrong place. I wish everyone who is going through this to overcome and become more experienced in this life.

[@piyushbindra2619]

@@ИлхамЖуматов How are you now brother? If you could then share me your Instagram id or whatsapp, it would be great to become your friend.

[@Its.nice2b_nice]

*(◍•ᴗ•◍)❤Hello from Florida, and I believe our posts help lift and encourage others, its important to share your feelings at times, you never know what one is going thru, I genuinely believe that when I post for instance prayer or in agreement with illness etc, it helps others know they're not alone.*

[@advisor.]

Everybody is going to die alone. But I’m glad you feel comfortable now.

[@MelanieSakowski]

PPPPREAAACH!!!!! Courtney, you are a beautiful human being, and I'm so grateful that you shared this. I also struggle with anxiety and depression, self-isolating when connection is what I desperately seek. I am observing compassionately, the shame I've created around my mental health, and want to let go. Bless you big time

[@philosophicalmonkachu7711]

U can let it go it with exposure therapy...expose to your fears more and more,......face them and you burn those demons bit by bit,it's like going to gym,,.......Watch ECKART TOLLE video ON FEAR... IT Will help you....... sufferings are the greatest spiritual teachers ,let's learn then shall we...God bless

[@francisca4478]

Self-isolating is so me

[@metsrus]

Don't have any friends. Don't want to burden anyone and don't want anyone to burden me. Probably not the ideal way to live but humans are so burdensome with their drama.

[@lumiere5772]

Tom Ly - Exactly! Last 4 people that were close to me, were draining/annoying. The first 3 drama queens and the last one a toxic narc. So I'm enjoying my freedom. Very hard to find quality friends.

[@MicahPotts]

@@lumiere5772You guys said it.

[@bonbonvrock84]

I've been mostly feeling like this for the past 2 years. These days I just don't want to deal with people, least of all anyone who comes off as sth like a "friend". It seems like sometimes these opportunities of forming friends spring up but I just don't want to do anything about it. It feels very tiresome and burdensome. I had very lofty ideas of friendship till the end of my late teens but now I just want to be left alone with my work and thoughts. I've one good friend though and we've been friends for over 10yrs now but we don't get to connect as much as I'd like due to realities and circumstances of our lives. Sometimes I miss her terribly and a lot of the times I don't want to meet her or anybody. I wonder if something is wrong with me. I've been depressed for about 12 years now but I don't think that's what's the matter as even during the times my depression was at its peak I still firmly believed in friendship despite never having many or almost none at all.

[@wildmoonchild8210]

exactly. i feel like such a burden because the people im with would be having a better time if they were with their actual friends so im unimportant. not the best way to think but whatever

[@dh2513]

Bonbon VRock maybe you’re burnt out... it can be draining@ just trying to get together let alone exchanging phone calls or messages etc. IMO anyway.

[@xxnekonekox]

I have no friends but I have a boyfriend and I’m very fortunate to have him. I’m very antisocial and I find social situations give me extreme anxiety and really drain the life out of me, I also find it really difficult to build and maintain relationships to an extent and to connect with other people. My boyfriend is the opposite, he’ll hold you hostage and talk your ear off, he loves to make friends and everyone is is friend, I love him so much and I’m glad he found me and insisted to keep talking to me even when I was very shy and reserved. I’m so glad extroverts like him exist, its the only way introverts like me can form relationships sometimes.

[@sandhyavijapurkar3567]

Aww I wish I find someone like that :)

[@easytoslip]

I wonder if there are many men who feel drained in social situations. Seems like they're the ones pushing and shoving in service to their huge, fragile egos. Women-only spaces are so different and quite delightful.

[@rosepond7178]

I'm same! I have social anxiety and no friends, and my boyfriend can talk to anyone on the street

[@manillascissor]

@@easytoslip yes, i am a man, lonely, socially awkward, anxious, etc. we exist, but like most, we try to hide it

[@Neverseenstars]

Same...I have no friends, only my boyfriend

[@pernelltaylor1819]

Watching everyone live life while you live in solitude, afraid of engaging with anyone due to bad experiences and fear is almost as low as it gets.

[@flyingroses126]

Good thing she has a good mom. Mine was an abusive narc that I had to leave behind. We all have our own issues.

[@side-eyewarrior823]

Same here

[@themaggattack]

Yeah. But we don't know what her mom is really like. Narc mothers tend to make OCD children. Being raised by a narc is what makes you hate yourself and second guess yourself constantly.

[@side-eyewarrior823]

WhatAWorld spot on. Crazy moms breed overly conscious self-children.

[@flufftronable]

@@themaggattack 100% true in my experience

[@bringiton3457]

FlyingRose S same!

[@shukucci]

I am 29 and I have never had friends. Why is it so hard. So many people are lonely and have no one to connect with, why is it so hard to find the others.... I can't...

[@sofijasmiljanic3698]

Hey, lets connect

[@Bob-ej1er]

A lot of people want to have friends, but its hard to find two people who mutually agree to invest their time in one another. I'd be up for exchanging emails/snap or something, if you want to talk.

[@bhoomi9838]

I'm in a similar situation. Just gotta keep living.

[@wongpentelglobal]

Wanna be friends

[@williamseymourjones9430]

Me too bud

[@jazz-axy9924]

Im friendless by choice. I have no desire to entertain "frenemies" or nurture an aquaintance i have no interest in. Im a 2 friends kinda gal and until i find the right ppl im good solo

[@randomvideos_658]

Amen!

[@mithunprakash.j9241]

In my opinion from the age of 16, it is better to live career oriented lives even if u don't have any friend.

[@maxos-4135]

@@mithunprakash.j9241 why do you support this? I would like to hear an explanation im interested

[@Machelle3200]

Exactly..All they do is low key hate on you and don't want the best for you anyway so what's the point??? I have no tolerance for fake azz kissers.

[@onlyhuman5669]

@@mithunprakash.j9241 well said👏

[@KAHHHH8548]

I've been alone without friends for so long it feels numb. But sometimes the loneliness just kills me.

[@amorkor4]

I feel the same way. If you give me your email address we could communicate. I moved to Ghana from the UK and have found it so difficult to get to know people, the language barrier doesn't help either

[@susanatkinson3978]

You are brave for saying it outloud. Be good to yourself and don't try too hard

[@nicolemallmann3240]

“I abandoned the people who did not abandon me”

[@thegr8keone]

Very deep.

[@lalagirl211]

Too much friends can linked to depression Believe me ... i been there , too much drama and gossips

[@jozzz222]

I Am Happy And I Deserve It agree i use to have “friends” but when I moved I became a lot less depressed when no one was around

[@petparadise6955]

I agree! Too much people knowing you can lessen your peace of mind

[@ordinarryalien]

"And remember: Being alone does not have to mean being lonely." - Dr. Daniel Marston

[@kulgauravisinghbhati9487]

True!!!

[@schlomo2771]

12:22 “I dissolved my friendships, and I didn’t try to create new ones”. This is what I did too, for similar reasons. Don’t be like me, don’t push people away. It’s no way to live.

[@OtakuGunsoNY]

When I say I have no friends people become afraid of me as if I would burn their house down or something ...o_O

[@AdaBouffants]

Lol same that's why I just pretend I have friends

[@OtakuGunsoNY]

@@AdaBouffants Looks like I'm gonna have to pretend too xD

[@joylynsmith9738]

Lol haha

[@orange-qb8bn]

@Astro C i sometimes casually mention it to girls i'm friendly with at school while secretly hoping they'll be like "oh want to meet up?" or "i'll be ur friend lmao" but the response is always "lol same" :(

[@xristinakazakou9453]

@Obvous Fact Speaker how?

[@ladybird7610]

Sometimes I can be fine with having no friends, other times like tonight, it hurts my heart and my soul. Don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. At 43, there’s probably not much hope of friendship at this stage. Hope everyone reading these comments is ok ❤️

[@harpsailorharp6716gg]

hope you are ok too

[@Claire-tk4do]

Hope doesn't diminish with age! It just changes forms. You are as able to make friends at 50 as at 20, though as this speaker says doing so or not does not determine your worth ❤ Wishing you all the best

[@SLynn-yb3uf]

I'm almost 55 and i have fell away from ones that really weren't my friends. I have no one to connect with

[@KC-wy6uf]

Feel free to add me on instagram kcari123 , everyone take care

[@2jcward]

I’m so sorry. I lost all my friends to husbands.

[@magickitchen54]

Courtney, this is one of the best Ted Talks I've seen. I clapped for real when you said, "That's why I'm here." You are making a difference.

[@shelleemepsy2409]

Thank you for talking about this. I feel like you are talking about me.

[@rebecca538]

Personally I think having no friends or a small circle is very peaceful. I've tried to connect with people. Have friends, be nice, be social and open up. But it seems with every friendship I've had I've been hurt badly. Been made to feel as if I'm not good enough or that I can't be myself. People are just disappointing. It's better to focus on yourself, learn to enjoy alone time. Improve yourself. Do things for yourself. You don't need others to be happy.

[@christinheinrich7299]

it's scary how relatable her talk is. I have several mental illnesses, ocd being one of them. combined with the others it's incrediblely difficult to connect with other people or I push them away bc they don't fit in my "daily routine" or I come across as cold or annoyed. however, like she said, I don't feel lonely being alone. but I do feel ashamed to talk about my mental illnesses and that will forever hold me back

[@rae8961]

"I can go a whole week only receiving texts from my mom" I literally haven't gotten a text in 6 months, my own mother doesn't text me. I only get spam calls. You think your bad, I speak maybe one or two sentences throughout the school day.😭

[@beverycarefuljohn586]

I'm in the same situatio for years now. I just sometimes talk to my classmates about homework, but it's just to say a few words. I don't think anyone knows ANYTHING about my actual personality :( It doesn't feel human. Hope it gets better for all of us❤👊

[@rae8961]

@@beverycarefuljohn586 🤞

[@datgurlky1]

I'm in my 30s and that's my life too, but at work. 😒

[@rae8961]

@dangboof you don't understand. I don't have people to text. The few that I do just won't respond to me. It's a sad, but peaceful introverted life.

[@dinnacardoso5131]

I feel you...💛

[@kaitiemarie9572]

Oh man thank you for this. I have a fiance and a sister, but havent had a friend for over 5 years. I truly thought my mental illness made me impossible to live with. So I was better off alone. Now I see I am more than my mental illness. I can find people like Courtney, who understand and are supportive.

[@kaitiemarie9572]

@@marap4107 oh he definitely is. My point was I have a friend in my fiance and in my sister, but I don't have other friends.

[@fldsify]

You are definitely much more than your mental illness! wish you the best and you can always message me if you’re feeling down or lonely, I know what that feels like too! :)

[@weirdchannel4428]

What I have understood in life is that, the very best friend is just yourself... you always take care of yourself when there is something in need..... being hungry, being ill, being thirsty, being injured. Like I mean... does anyone, except your mom/family, say: ''Ohh let me buy you some food cuz you hungry. Ohh here take my chair to sit. Ohh come let me take you to the doctor, ohh so you have no money? here take all my 500 dollars''.....every single out there takes care of himself and just to understand that every man... is his own man...but... however... at some point, some people will offer you any of those. but don't view him as a soulmate/best friend cuz that is sometimes a mere illusion... cuz he/she just offered something to be nice. so guys all in all I wish you a happy new year and stay strong peeps

[@kiranmaie_09]

"I have no friends" Watching this in this quarantine period. I knew from before that I didnt have any friends and love being alone. But atleast once I think it would be better if someone just like me understands me better in the same way I do. I stay with my parents and elder brother. Everyone is busy with their own lives. When I tell my mom I have no friends, she blames me saying I cant mingle with people and keep on fighting with them this is the reason I dont like to open up and share things with others. Whenever people ask me who is ur bestfriend, I reply 'none' and when they ask how many friends do u have I just say two to three but I dont really mean that. I do have two to three friends but they dont really get me. As time passed by, I realized people change so fast and things arent the same like before,every individual think in their own way. We cannot expect people to think the same way like we do. Time flies,people change. Its so happy and peaceful being alone but we should have enough patience to become independent. Being dependent made me realize that its so tough being lonely! :)) btw i'm going to turn 18 within 1 day and as usual i spend my time only with my fam

[@eissaothman1415]

I understand what you feel I spend all my time here on youtube watching videos i dont have any social app and when it became unbearable i start reading comments and reply to some of these which i like ,I am gonna turn 19 in two months I think it helps me i wish you happy Life

[@nahfid2003]

Turned 18 a while ago. I shall call my friend then. :)

[@MariannaOlsen]

You go girl and find your friends. Live you life without fear. You are more than enough.

[@anniedetroit7525]

Anyone who sees this, I will be your friend.

[@anniedetroit7525]

@@apurvasharma02 well then, you found one!

[@sema80]

You are really good 🙂

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

It wasn’t until I was abandoned by my friends and family that I found out how strong one person could be. ✌️❤️

[@lynnmarieanderson1744]

Your comment caught my eye. That situation is what I'm going through right now. I'm 48, and I am realizing in a big way what a narcissist my dad is and how my mom is really his accomplice- she lets him act the way he does. So I'm trying to do the no contact thing, it's rough. And now I'm realizing my only real friend is my ex that I'm still friends with. I think a lot of people out there are really flaky. I hope things get better for you. Don't give up!!!

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

Lynn Marie Anderson Thank you for your reply. I apologize for taking so long to respond, but, you see; I didn’t want to offended you. I am the child who didn’t give up on her narcissistic parents. And because of this, both my siblings resent me for being the better person. My dad is a year gone and my mom may as well be because she has dementia, and she’s not even close to the same person who neglected us like dogs dad left tied in the backyard. Not one of us is perfect and when you forgive your parents you leave space for your children to forgive you. This breaks the toxic family cycle. May your suffering end May you find peace 🕉

[@mforemily2799]

I appreciate this so much. I too was so so so ashamed for years about my lack of friends. I never wanted to admit it, think about it, acknowledge it etc. and I NEVER wanted ANYONE to find out. Socializing can be exhausting and vulnerable. I do not have OCD and I have still dealt similarly with this. Thank you!

[@Meowziez]

You are a gifted speaker and educator. Thank you for sharing your story. Your talk will help many, and not.just those with OCD.

[@marjorymsuku9312]

"Though I don't have any friends right now, I intend to have them in the future. I am a good person. I am worthy of friendship. And I don't make too bad of a friend myself."❤❤🙌🙌

[@shannonw.8372]

Awesome job. Every person, no matter how superficially "perfect", has spells in their life where they are plagued with debilitating self doubt, some more than others (and some hide it better than others.) The more people you get to know intimately, the more you realize that every single human is on a similar quest to overcome their shortcomings so they can begin to use their talents. This young lady is doing a great job of doing just that. Friends come in handy when we run out of strength or self control; they tolerate our flaws and lend their strength while our spirits catch their breaths. This isn't "using" our friends. It's a social contract whereby we accept them back, warts and all, and reciprocate to the best of our ability. I believe this girl would be a wonderful, tolerant friend with many strengths to lend to others who may not have as many tools as she has developed for herself. Merry bands of misfits are totally underrated. (And most people are misfits.)

[@user-mq3ts7lr9l]

Here is something I want to know: Is it possible to live a different life in your head? Parallel to the real one that you are having, so like, walking on your way to class and on a good day, your character is walking into her own investment firm. And sometimes you find that you can be lost in the narrative of the nicer life in your mind? Does it happen to you? is it normal?

[@gardengal87]

I think a therapist might say it's okay as long as it doesn't take away from participating in the world in front of you.

[@trishayamada807]

Jay K I think what you are describing is called maladaptive daydreaming. I think it’s only an issue if you can’t escape your daydream and function in your “real” life.

[@Wahsoep]

It is possible

[@630AS]

Yeah I do have that , that's probably why I never feel alone

[@weeklyalexa257]

Yes, I do it all the time! Sometimes it keeps me occupied and even gives me really great ideas for stories (I loove writing lol)

[@goldenmath4091]

As an older guy I wish I could put into words how sad it makes me feel to hear young people admitting loneliness, people need to ground themselves first, dispel the myth of apparent happiness and admit the sky looks beautiful today, then youll become the truth you seek..you sit under the light of the same stars, you are not separate, only if you embrace it, we are one..

[@peneleapai]

Love these two comments @Goldenmath and yours. WONDERFUL

[@rebecca5279]

Im 46 and still struggle with this too...was disgnosed OCD, Major Depression, and on the autism spectrum as "high functioning"

[@gregoryanderson9218]

Rebecca Sharp Hamlin I have high functioning autism, too. You’re not alone.

[@marie-philippeares4269]

I feel sometimes how alone I am, with my thoughts, my values, my pain of living... I am a good person, I give so much but from my background, its hard for me to receive.

[@Skyee_AK]

I am terrified, When my Parents die, I will have no one in this world....... Absolutely no one !! I don't know how to deal with that reality yet. Anyone out there who feels the same?

[@prekshasangati8749]

same here im an only child and im still a teen with 0 friends and my parents are quite old and all i can think about is that...no one even cares for me and all the friends i had before were fake and would make fun of my appearance behind my back...it hurts so much

[@dianecleary1054]

Im living that reality. Your daily routine is very important. Pleasurable hobbies. Get your living enviroment in optimum organisation cleanliness and decorative appeal. Look after your self and care about your self the way youd like some one else to do for you. To be alone is hard but is made easier by accepting it at the same time open to the possibility of change.

[@realtorcarlyoptionone6474]

This girl is amazing 💯 I want friends like her

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

Great speaker. She will have lots of friends. Dont you just want to hug her.

[@flyaway9086]

What if she herself does NOT want to have friends?

[@justinwang4386]

fly away She wants to have friends.

[@smileyface702]

fly away that's a lie people tell themselves because they're afraid and our defense mechanisms are comfortable

[@MagisterialVoyager]

I do! Only if she's comfortable with my hug, though. :)

[@meganimal8]

Sometimes what is also really hard is when you have friends ( I have 3 ) but they all have busy lives with boyfriends and children and I have neither of those things. So if I want to go on holiday or do something on the weekend none of them want to spend it with me. Only once in a while and when they do they always have to leave early to go back to their partner or some calling from their full lives. They are genuine nice caring people but just too busy for me with their own lives. That can be SUPER lonely too.

[@CatherineWittRealEstate]

Yes! OCD, as you say, is "absolutely irrelevant to my character and quality of my friendship". I love that!!! This is so brave and you seem like an AMAZING friend!!!

[@catherinehermansen4376]

I don't even get a text from my mom. I'm so tired.

[@jennytaylor3324]

Oh sweetie, that's really tough. Have this hello from me across the pond! ❤

[@2jcward]

Praying for you. My mom doesn’t either. She says she’s not a phone person.

[@KarieRuu]

I used to have lots of friends, after beeing bullyied 10 years ago my confidence and my social friendshipness was lost. I lost almost everyfriend that I have. The ones that still my friends are not that friends to me, they got tired about my insecurities, now that I understand me, they still think of the old me that Im not anymore. I know people, they like me but not enough to be friends with. I think everybody deserves to be loved.

[@The1992lm]

I want everyone who watches this to know they are not alone. There are many people out their just like you. You are not weird or a freak. I have felt that way a long time and now I realize I'm not and neither are you.

[@br33sm1th]

thank you

[@malcolmlewis8670]

Congratulations to this wonderful, courageous woman. The kind of leader with strong character that this world needs to make it a better place. A concern I have with psychoanalysis is that it can gives a label that condemns the person to self judgment "that is what is wrong with me" , Our behavior and emotions are congruent to out self perception and so this label will be reinforcing the behavior and emotions. As for social anxiety , I believe that it is very common, I am not alone, we need to talk about it more so that we see it as more normal and find solutions that help us overcome this disability to connect with others.

[@alisoncrocker9919]

One of the best TedTalks ever. Lovely, brave, eloquent young lady.

[@TheDeliriousDweeb]

Holy heck that may have been the best delivery of a ted talk I have ever seen.

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

I don't have real life friends either, people are too hard work so I cant be bothered anymore, I just argue with complete strangers worldwide on youtube and that's my social interaction for the day lol

[@rosannaberckley5515]

Same, arguing with people and playing town of salem is the only thing I do

[@dh2513]

Optimistic Whovian 😂 @ arguing with strangers !!! Well , it is something at least !!! 😁

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

Yes something, not sure what exactly. Would rather be making friends. @@dh2513

[@juliadixon4810]

Yep. Same here.

[@linguinepast3743]

I feel ya on that! Lol

[@j.j.5731]

Better to be alone then in bad company. I learned the hard way.

[@missgramirez4446]

I have a lot of acquaintances (church, work, non profit, etc) but not a true friend that likes to spend time with me.

[@f.r.etling6226]

Exactly. Lots of people that like me, but no one likes me enough to actually pursue getting to know me. I’m just the nice guy from work.

[@zv54]

I really want her to be my friend. Look how lovely she is! ☺️

[@matthowe4458]

Thank you, brave soul. I have MI and don't have friends either. It's ok, we will still flourish. Thank you for reminding me that I am not my illness.

[@starzintheskyz4477]

Several weeks or months will go by without hearing from any of my "friends". Even when they live less than an hour away from me. I literally get texts and phone calls from my mom. I feel it.