Welcome back to the Savvy Psychologist. This week there is big news. I'm proud to announce that the

Savvy Psychologist was hand selected by iTunes editors as one of the best of 2014

podcasts. So check it out at iTunes.com slash best, 2014.

And the only thing more surreal than making the list

is that I'm between Ice Tea and RuPaul,

which I'm guessing is the only time that will ever happen.

Anyway, I hereby award all of you best listeners ever.

Thanks for listening.

Thank you for your support on social media.

And be sure to subscribe.

2015 will be even better.

Loneliness afflicts millions of Americans.

And the holidays are particularly hard for those who socially feel stuck

out in the cold. This time of year, every commercial, magazine cover, and store window sends

the message that from Thanksgiving through New

years we should be attending festive holiday parties, merrily clinking

champagne flutes, and spending time with people. Lots and lots of people.

But Americans are a lonely bunch. Lots and lots of people.

But Americans are a lonely bunch.

Back in 2004, a large-scale survey found that one in four Americans had no close friends at all.

And I'll bet you a lonely partridge in a pear tree that the percentage is even higher now.

With so many people feeling isolated, you'd think everybody would be talking about it, but no one does.

...