I am becoming more and more willing to stay on my own. But in the meantime I suffer if I have no friends to hang out. What can I do?

Dear friend, I understand that you are feeling torn between your desire for solitude and your need for social connection. It can be challenging to find a balance between the two, and it's okay to feel this way. It's natural for humans to crave connection and companionship, and it's also natural for us to need some alone time to recharge and reflect. It's essential to acknowledge and honor both of these needs in yourself. From a Buddhist perspective, we can see that our attachments to people and things often lead to suffering. When we are attached to the idea of having friends to hang out with, we can experience pain and disappointment when those expectations are not met. One way to alleviate this suffering is to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment. Through meditation and mindfulness practices, we can learn to be present in the moment and find joy in solitude. From a psychological perspective, it's important to recognize that social connection is a fundamental human need. Research has shown that loneliness can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health. Therefore, it's essential to find ways to connect with others that feel authentic and fulfilling. Instead of focusing on finding a large group of friends, try to cultivate deeper connections with a few people who share your values and interests. As a coach, my advice would be to take small steps towards building meaningful connections with others. Join a club or group that aligns with your interests, volunteer at a local nonprofit, or take a class to learn a new skill. By engaging in activities that you enjoy, you'll be more likely to meet people who share your passions and values. It's also essential to practice self-care and self-compassion. Remember that it's okay to take time for yourself when you need it, but also that it's okay to reach out to others when you need support.