The chapter explores the speaker's discomfort with disagreements and the fear of abandonment, highlighting the struggle of retreating during conflicts. It delves into the importance of seeking assistance to improve communication styles and the idea of a 'vulnerability hangover'. The talk also differentiates between loneliness and solitude, emphasizing the significance of understanding oneself and finding a balance between time spent alone and with others.
Paula has a big family, lots of friends, and a girlfriend she adores. For most of her life, however, she has experienced an underlying and unshakeable sense of loneliness. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Kristen Radtke, the writer and illustrator behind Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness, to talk with Paula about an emotion that’s hard to talk about—and even harder to confront.
If you liked this episode, check out How To Find Your People and How To Survive a Silent Retreat.
Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.
How To! is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. Derek John is our executive producer.
Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices