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Lonely 20 May 2020

"I am 70 years old. I am retired. I live in Eindhoven. But I was born in Drente at 200 km distance. I miss my family. I do have a lot of time. Not a large income. I am looking for a place to drink a cup of coffee. A place to talk with some others. Most of all I miss a place where I can use my talents. I am disappointed with the possibilities my church offers. I feel lonely and seek help to change."

"I am 35 yeas old. I am single. I have a reasonably paid job. The job does not really satisfy me. I have some friends. They are married, have children and have a very busy life. I am Catholic. It is hard to connect to other catholics. My parish has only a limited offer in activities where I can join and participate. Once in a month there is an open evening with a speaker. There is once a month a catechesis morning. But I am working. I would like to participate in visiting lonely elderly persons. I would be willing to help with maintenance activities. My various attempts to connect failed. I feel lonely."

"I am 30 years old. I am married. I have a small job which is really nice. We do not yet have children. I quarrel often with my husband. Usually about small things but it hurts us a lot. Also in my work I find it not easy to relate to the colleagues. They are often stressed and like to perform. Team building is not easy. By times I really feel stupid and a stranger. I find it hard to forgive persons who have hurt me. I like to learn in a safe environment. I asked in my church but they can not help me."

Lonely in Eindhoven?

You are not the only one. Roughly 50% of the people in this city struggles with loneliness. Our needs for friendly community and relationships in not met. Fortunately the severity and intensity varies.
Now 50% that means:

In every second house lives a person who is regularly lonely.
Three full PSV soccer stadiums of unsatisfied people.
Most probably my colleague at the desk opposite me is at least by times lonely.
One of my children may struggle with loneliness.
Two of the priests in my parish may feel lonely.
There is a good chance that I myself feel lonely by times.

Admit

A first step is to admit that loneliness dwells among us. And it hurts us. It robs a lot of our strength.

Sad Giant