
As a child, I never really noticed that my mom had no friends. It wasn’t until I was older that I began to realize that she never went out with anyone or had anyone over. It was just her and my dad, and occasionally my siblings and I.
The Problem

I started to wonder why my mom didn’t have any friends. Was it because she was shy? Did she not like people? Was there something wrong with her?
It wasn’t until I talked to her about it that I realized the truth. My mom had always been a stay-at-home mom, and when my siblings and I grew up and moved out, she found herself alone. She didn’t have any hobbies or interests outside of taking care of us, and she didn’t know how to make friends.
The Impact

The impact of my mom not having any friends was significant. She was lonely and bored, and she didn’t have anyone to talk to or do things with. She became depressed and isolated, and it was hard for my dad and I to see her like that.
It also had an impact on her health. Without anyone to encourage her to be active or eat healthily, she started to gain weight and develop health problems.
The Solution

After realizing the impact of her loneliness, my siblings and I started to actively encourage my mom to make friends. We suggested that she join a club or group that shared her interests, or take a class to learn something new.
At first, my mom was resistant to the idea. She was afraid of putting herself out there and meeting new people. But eventually, she agreed to try.
The Results

It took some time, but my mom eventually found a group of women who shared her love of gardening. They started meeting once a month to talk about plants and swap tips and tricks.
It was amazing to see the change in my mom. She was happier and more energetic, and she had something to look forward to each month. Her health started to improve, too. She lost weight and her blood pressure went down.
The Lesson

The lesson from my mom’s experience is that it’s never too late to make friends. Even if you’re shy or feel like you don’t know how, there are people out there who are looking for the same thing.
It’s also important to have hobbies and interests outside of your family and work. They give you something to look forward to and a way to connect with others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are resources and support available.