[Ali]

I wanted to share this article about the loneliness that can come with being a single mom. It really struck a chord with me—not just because of how honest it is, but because it touches on something that so many go through but rarely say out loud. The author talks about the emotional weight of doing it all alone, and how she found small, meaningful ways to reconnect with herself and others.

Here’s the link: https://www.rootsofloneliness.com/single-mom-loneliness

If you've been there (or are there now), I’d love to know — how do you handle the quiet moments that feel a little too quiet? What’s helped you feel more connected?

[Weighty]

This might be a little off topic, but I wonder if anyone here has been on the other side of this -- being a child of a lonely mom?

Cause I can definitely relate to that both in my personal experience and seeing that from others as well.

I know that it's sometimes innevitable of course, we all get lonely for one reason or another, but when children are put in this difficult spot, it can be doubly challenging -- in terms of being self aware enough to know your mom is lonely, but also put in a precarious spot of being a sole support system for her at the same time because all their energy is on you.

That's pressure, and puts children in uncomfortable spots when their parents rely on their children's love to fill a void in their own hearts that should be filled by a significant other.

They think they're doing the right thing by isolating and focusing on raising their children, but again that causes some major downstream effects.

[Ali]

To a degree, yes, as far as the day-to-day goes. I don't know (or think) that a significant other is the solution, as much as just having friends in general and things to do. I guess that depends on the woman, but many widows choose not to have a significant other because the idea of facing a second loss like that... it's unappealing.

Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. But I don't think the void has to be filled by a significant other, necessarily.

That said, friendships and social engagements are vital. Whether it's just hanging out at a local senior center, getting together with a women's group, or... anything along those lines. I feel like my mom would be very lonely if she didn't live with me and my family; as it stands, she's got me, my husband, and two or three granddaughters around daily under the same roof. And a cat. We've all got our own spaces in the house, of course, but another person (or the cat lol) is never more than a stone's throw away. And it definitely helps.

When she was living alone (and even now) she had her monthly things she goes to—groups she's a part of that have meetings and dinners and stuff. But that isn't enough for the day-to-day, for sure.