## Most widely used > "Loneliness is a subjective, unwelcome feeling of lack or loss of companionship, which happens when there is a mismatch between the quantity and quality of the social relationships that we have, and those that we want" - (Perlman and Peplau, 1981) - The ==absence of meaningful social interaction==—an intimate relationship, friendships, family gatherings, or even community or work group connections. ([Location 2790](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B09DTJM18Q&location=2790)) - Loneliness is ==not just absence of people==, it is internal and is about not having the friendships and social connections that they want to have. ([[Source - How to Tackle Student Loneliness by Loades et al|Loades et al]]) - It is NOT a personal failing. Everyone's loneliness is different with different reasons driving it. - There are three types of loneliness- (see also [[types of loneliness]]) - ==Social loneliness==. When we feel we are missing a satisfactory network of friends, family or community to spend time with. - ==Emotional loneliness==. When we feel we don't have a close friend, family member, or [[Meaningful Connection]] to confide in or to help us feel seen, heard, and understood. - ==Existential loneliness==. When we feel entirely separate from other people, often when we experience a traumatic or life changing event, such as bereavement. ## Chronic and transient loneliness - Loneliness varies in frequency, duration and intensity - When loneliness occurs 'often or always' this is defined as chronic loneliness. This is when loneliness causes harm. - It is different to social isolation, which is a state of being, not an emotion. ## Other Definitions - "a lack of empathic understanding" - [[Manuela Barreto conversation 22.03.2024]]