There is a chill in the air, and (depending on where you're located) the leaves are falling to the ground. You might even be looking forward to doing some holiday shopping or figuring out how big of a turkey you should get for Thanksgiving.
But others in your life may be feeling the beginning of loneliness. While feelings of loneliness can happen anytime, the time between now and New Year's really puts some of your friends in a bad mental state. The time to help them? Right now.
Invite Someone Over for Holiday Dinner: Reach Out to Those Without Family Support
Do you have friends that, for whatever reason, are lacking some family support? Perhaps they are estranged from loved ones or maybe they live far away from their kin. Either way, the holidays can be rough for those folks, especially if their aloneness is not by choice.
Reach out in the next couple weeks and invite them over for Thanksgiving. What's one or two more when it comes to a big meal like Turkey Day? You usually have leftovers anyways, so do your waistline a favor and let a few lonely folks enjoy the meal with you instead.
Midlife Friendship: Reach Out to People Who Are in Need of a Few More Friends
Even if someone has a place to go to during the holidays, it's still a great idea to offer your friendship to someone looking to add a few more people to their social circle. Midlife is an especially difficult time to make new friends.
If you suspect someone might be a little lonely, ask them for coffee now. Perhaps by the time the holidays roll around you'll have a new friend, and they won't feel so isolated.
Become a Mentor: Reach Out to a Younger Person Who is Looking for Some Life Advice
Not all younger people are looking for our advice, but you'll recognize the ones that are. They will seem a little lost, a little in need of mothering or extra love. If you pay attention, you might see that a younger person is drawn to you for whatever reason.
Go with your instinct and start by asking them about their life. Are they confused about something you've already encountered? Do you recognize a younger version of yourself in them? Just listen to them and offer advice here and there. Encourage them. Take them out for coffee. Be another caring person in their life.
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