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manofsticks t1_j1qxhf0 wrote

You mention it being your first time without a companion/pet; I'm going under the assumption that you lost a pet. In that case, I highly recommend beginning the adoption process for a new pet once you feel like you've done the appropriate amount of grieving.

In my experience, both positive and negative feelings around loneliness will snowball; being able to have one positive boost will help other positives come easier, and help fight back the negatives. Being able to adopt a pet is a much more "in your control" situation than gaining a companion/new human friend. I don't have a dog, but I've heard dog owners say it's a great way to meet new humans while on walks/visits to dog parks as well.

I know when I hit peak-loneliness in mid-2021, my cat was an enormous help.

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Sexcercise OP t1_j1qxx20 wrote

I totally understand this, thank you. I'm considering fostering a cat, I've never owned a cat so I don't want to adopt right away. I have a pet turtle but my apartment isn't big enough to house his tub so he's still at my ex's.

May you and your kitty have a safe and warm winter!

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manofsticks t1_j1qzmen wrote

Fostering is a good lower-commitment option to see if a new type of pet is a good fit for you/your home.

If you've never had a cat before, another idea is to visit Kitty Korner in Barre and spend some time in the cat lounge. That way you can meet a bunch of different cats, see a variety of personalities, and get a sense of what cat would be the best fit for you; one that's extra cuddly, one that's extra playful, one that's a little more independent, more/less vocal, etc.

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Sexcercise OP t1_j1qzrcf wrote

Oh sweet, that's a great idea, I'll check them out. Thank you!

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