How to stop feeling lonely
This is basically the perfect collection of thoughts for me to be reading right now.  I, and extreme introvert, just moved into my brother's new house.  He is an extreme extrovert.<p>What struck me most was point "2. Find people who give you time to speak".<p>I find myself often surrounded by those people who don't have any of the empathy to realize I need to let me thoughts work their way to the surface.  It has created a lot of failed attempts to reach out to other people.  I get frustrated, because it leads me to feel like the other person just isn't listening, because as soon as I do start saying something the other person will usually jump to a(n incorrect) conclusion about what I'm starting to say, and interject based on what thought just entered their mind.  As a result, I've spent years with those types never getting to know me, and my attempts to open up becoming more curt and infrequent.<p>Conversely, maybe this empathy is why so many people tell me I'm a good listener.  I don't jump to conclusions about what another person is saying.  I rarely even try to work out my response while the other person is still talking.  I let them think, speak, and reason all before reacting.  Of course, with real Type-A personalities this means they will tend to go on forever, and I don't know how to get them to shut up.  Ha.  But, they still come away feeling like I get them.  And the effect is quite magnified with anyone who is less than 100% Type-A.<p>And perhaps validating this article, taking the time to let these "feelings" and "thoughts" rise up, I'm finding myself in much greater agreement (and understanding of self) and will recommit to attempting to surround myself (most of the time, thought not all of the time) with people who can help me work in my strengths.  The great challenge that will prove while living with my brother.