Loneliness is real, even with a family

Jan 8·1 min read

I love my wife and kids but I feel so alone. Don't have buddies to hang with anymore - everyone moved or had their own stuff. Work friends are work friends. Wife is mostly focused on the kids. I'm just existing in this house with people and feeling completely isolated. It's weird to feel lonely around three other people. Joined a dad group at the community center but I feel awkward being the new person. Does this get easier?

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Comments(5)

EEricNew DadJan 8

This hits hard. I've got two kids and a wife I care about but I genuinely can't remember the last time I had a real conversation with someone my own age about something other than sleep schedules. It's isolating as hell even when you're constantly around people.

CChris T.New DadJan 8

Have you tried looking for parent groups or dad-specific meetups in your area? Not the same as your old buddies but at least you're talking to someone who gets why you can't stay out past 9pm on a Saturday.

CChristopher T.New DadJan 9

Honestly just started going to the gym at weird times and striking up conversations with random dads there. Not exactly friendship but it helps. Somebody gets it when you mention your kid wouldn't sleep all night.

JJosh M.New DadJan 9

I feel this in my bones. My friends either don't have kids yet or their kids are way older so we can't find common ground anymore. Everyone's spread out doing their own thing and I'm stuck at home on weekends while they're out living it up.

EEricRegularJan 10

The loneliness thing is real and nobody really talks about it until you're in it. Your wife gets it to some extent but she's experiencing the same thing so you're both kinda drowning together sometimes.