At the heart of lonliness is the absence of meaningful social interaction- an intimate realtionship, friendships, family gatherings, or even community or work group connections.

• Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart p. 179

As members of a social species, we dont' drive strength from our rugged individualism, but rather from our colecive ability to plan, communicate, and work together. John Cacioppo

When we feel isolated, disconnected, and lonely, we try to protect ourselves. In that mode, we want ot connect, but our brain is attempting to overrirde connection with self-protection. That means less empathy, more defensiveness, more numbing, and less sleeping.

Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart p. 177

We Search for Connection