A new study out of Halifax suggests people who don’t have any friends feel some sense of pride at being self-sufficient, but still struggle with loneliness. Researchers at Dalhousie and St. Francis Xavier universities talked to 21 people who say they don’t have any friends. While some were desperate to combat that loneliness, others had a more complicated relationship with their solitude.
Shari MacDonald tries to make sure there are plenty of social activities for people at P.E.I.’s Miltonvale Community Hall — everything from coffee clubs and movie nights to exercise classes and line dancing.
“We do hear lots of people say how happy they are to be at the hall and how pleased they are that events are close to home,” she said.
The importance of social activity and friendships has been evident since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and people became more isolated and lonely. In 2023, …