Although almost every human being in history has been lonely,
most of us aren't so great at helping someone else through it.
Robert Weiss, PhD, the godfather of research in the field,
thinks that's because once loneliness abates, amnesia sets in.
Having forgotten the intensity of their own experience, many
people cavalierly offer advice that would have sent them over
the edge—"Be more outgoing!" or "Chin up!"—to others still
struggling. Here are a few reminders... A Small Gesture A lonely
person's pity meter is a finely tuned instrument. There is no
greater kindness than not extending an overly magnanimous
invitation that makes her feel like the neighborhood charity
case. A small gesture—an offhand invitation to lunch—is often a
better antidote. Dinner and A Movie Some people are so
debilitated by loneliness that they can hardly discuss it (or
anything else). Inviting a friend to a concert or movie will
give you something to talk about over dinner. Prescription for
Success Offer to accompany her to a medical