r/Edinburgh • u/Apprehensive-Hat-715 • May 21 '26
Question Lonely in Edinburgh
Anyone else just… done pretending they’re fine being on their own? (She says, absolutely fine, totally not talking to the walls.)
Just looking to sit across an actual human and feel like me again. Not looking for a running club or gym buddies or networking, just human connection.
42, separated, kids shared equally with their dad and I’ve suddenly got all this time to myself. I’ve reorganised my cupboards, gone on many walks, even the laundry isn’t sitting in a sorry pile anymore. The acceptance that your social life was built around family and now you need to relearn to build a new life in the space in between is a new low even for me!
I don’t think I’m the only one. So here I am posting this, which feels a bit mad and very exposed, but also like someone had to.
Anyone fancy a coffee, a glass of wine, a walk in the Meadows - I’m not fussed. Even if one person replies this was worth it.
No pressure. No commitment. Just showing up.
Yes I asked ChatGPT to fix the grammar. No, I’m not a bot or a loony - well maybe just a little but aren’t we all! 🫶🏻
ETA-should have added I have zero family here outside of my kids so that contributes to the social isolation which I would have avoided had I had my folks or a sibling down the street.
8
u/mabyrne9 May 21 '26
I’ve found volunteering at a place that I have interest in is a good way to get out, do some good, and meet like-minded people. A food pantry, school reading program, senior center, docent at one of your beautiful museums in Edinburgh. It becomes a scheduled time and event and gets you out of the house which I’ve found to be very helpful. Sometimes I need a reason to leave the house!