"I'd Rather Be Alone Than Feel Alone": Why Loneliness Isn't What You Think & What Actually Helps

What if the real problem isn't being alone, but feeling alone when someone's standing right in front of you?

In this powerful conversation, we're diving deep into one of the most misunderstood emotions: loneliness. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis just returned from an incredible journey through Europe, and they're sharing fresh insights about what loneliness actually is, why it's so damaging to our health, and most importantly—what actually helps.

Here's what might surprise you: the solution to loneliness isn't being around more people. In fact, you can feel most lonely in a crowded room, at a family dinner, or even lying next to your spouse.

This episode will help you understand why relational absence is far more painful than geographical absence, and how the "still face" we give each other—even unintentionally—creates chronic pain that affects our marriages, parenting, and overall wellbeing.

You'll hear a jaw-dropping story about a dad who went home from a Connection Codes event and used one simple tool (the "ooh") to transform his child's middle-of-the-night meltdowns from 45 minutes of chaos to 2 minutes of connection. This is the power of being emotionally present instead of just physically present.

Key Topics:

- Why loneliness is more damaging to your health than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day

- The difference between geographical absence and relational absence

- How the "still face experiment" reveals what we're all experiencing in our relationships

- Why going to a hotel alone can feel better than being home with your family

- The chronic loneliness of modern parenting and partnership

- How to identify loneliness when it's hiding beneath anger and frustration

- What your brain actually needs when loneliness fires (hint: it's not a crowd)

- Practical tools to move from isolation to genuine connection

This episode is for you if:

- You feel exhausted doing everything by yourself even though people are around

- You'd rather be alone than feel alone with your family

- You're experiencing chronic irritation and don't know why

- You want to stop the cycle of loneliness in your home

- You're ready to understand what your emotions are actually telling you

The Connection Codes aren't just theory—they're tools that work immediately when you implement them. Whether you're a parent trying to connect with your kids, a spouse feeling disconnected, or someone navigating the holiday season with a deep sense of isolation, this episode will give you clarity and actionable steps forward.

Resources Mentioned:

- The Still Face Experiment- Connection Codes events in Europe

- Cincinnati event testimonials

- Upcoming 2026 events

Ready to go deeper?

Get the Core Emotion Wheel - The foundational tool for processing emotions and creating connection www.connectioncodes.co/podcast

Book a Connection Codes Certified Coach - Work one-on-one with someone trained in these tools https://connectioncodes.co/coaches

Want to bring Connection Codes to your church, business, or organization? Email us! We're booking events for 2026 and would love to come to your community.

Keywords: loneliness, emotional health, mental health, marriage communication, parenting tools, emotional regulation, connection, isolation, relationship advice, family therapy, chronic loneliness, emotional intelligence, still face experiment, authentic vulnerability, emotional presence, marriage help, parenting struggles, mental wellness, emotional awareness, relational connection