If there's anything I did to reduce my own loneliness, it was understanding how universal it is

and how extraordinary the capacity for misunderstanding is around loneliness and around what we need

from each other.

Welcome to how to.

I'm Courtney Martin.

We're living in a moment of paradox. Right now, we're the

most connected we've ever been. And yet, rates of loneliness are dangerously high. According to a

recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association, 30% of adults in the United States report

feeling lonely at least once a week.

10% report feeling lonely every single day.

So here's this human experience that's so common.

I mean, we've all been lonely at some point in our lives, right?

Even if just briefly.

And yet, it's hard for us to even articulate what loneliness looks and feels like.

I'll tell you that for me, loneliness has this quality of, I can only describe it as kind of like mistranslation.

It's as if I'm saying something and no one can understand me.

I can be surrounded by people I love and it's like I'm speaking a different language. It's kind of devastating, even when the scene itself is totally mundane,

an extended family dinner party or just a day in my life where all the wires get crossed.

But is that what loneliness feels like to you?

I really have no idea.

However it manifests, it's an experience that is simultaneously isolating

and universal. It can also leave us wondering where to turn. Which brings us to today's listener.

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