It’s that time of year when you miss your friends and family but can’t wait to see them again. No matter how much you love seeing your friends, you know it will be difficult at first. Unless, of course, you’re the type of person who gets over their own personal problems by seeing friends again on a regular basis. In that case, this post is for you! If you’ve been keeping track, there have been several times throughout the year when I wished I could see my friends more than just once or twice a year. This may seem like an odd reason to miss people, but research shows that about half of all social interactions end up being one-off deals rather than ongoing relationships. This makes it especially challenging for us to keep in touch with our friends during the winter months as we crave constant connection and face a host of other difficult challenges.
Why do we miss people?
We miss people because the human brain is wired to form strong emotional connections with others. It is necessary for survival, and it makes us feel safe and secure. When those connections are severed due to physical or emotional distance, our brains are left feeling empty and longing for the individual. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as wanting to spend time with them, reexperience moments together, or even talk about something mundane – all of which help us feel connected again.
The 10 Reasons We Miss People
1. Their Smile:
A smile can make anyone’s day better. It is the best way to show someone that we care about them and appreciate them. When we miss someone, it is often their genuine smile that comes to mind first. We remember all of the happy moments we shared with them and how their mere presence could lighten up a room.
2. Their Advice:
When we are facing difficult decisions, everyone needs an outside opinion to help them choose the best path forward. It is especially heartbreaking when we have no one to turn to for advice or guidance in difficult times because someone who is special to us has gone away.
3. Their Sense of Humor:
Everyone enjoys being around someone with a great sense of humor. It does not matter if it is telling jokes or just being able to make light of most situations; laughter is the best medicine and can instantly brighten up any mood. We miss the people in our life whose personality allows us to laugh in even the toughest times.
4. Their Company:
Everyone needs someone to talk to and sometimes just to be around. We miss the people who we looked forward to seeing every day, whether it was for lunch or just a quick chat after work. It can be hard when those connections are gone, but their memories still remain in our hearts.
5. Their Support:
When we face difficult times, it helps to know that someone is there for us, no matter what. We miss the people who supported us unconditionally and were always in our corner, cheering us on. They made us stronger and more confident when we needed it most.
6. Their Love:
When a loved one has gone away, it can be heartbreaking not to be able to express our feelings to them. We miss the people who we shared special moments with, from long conversations over a cup of coffee to snuggling on the couch, watching movies, and laughing together.
7. Their Kindness:
Everyone appreciates someone who is kind and compassionate toward others. We miss those people in our lives who always put other people’s needs above their own and who were willing to lend a helping hand. Their thoughtful nature will never be forgotten.
8. Their Presence:
We miss the physical presence of those we love, from the warm hugs to the gentle touch on our shoulders when we are feeling down. The little gestures that made us feel safe and loved will never be forgotten.
9. Their Generosity:
We miss those people who were always giving their time, energy, and resources with no expectation of anything in return. They would give so much of themselves to help others and make the world a better place.
10. Their Memories:
Even when someone has gone away, the memories of the good times we shared with them will never be forgotten. We miss people for all that they were in our lives and the special bond we shared together. The time spent with them was precious, and their legacy will live on forever.
What’s Different About Missed People?
- Missed people have a different set of experiences, needs, and preferences compared to those who are not missing. This can include access to resources, risk of harm or exploitation by others, and access to medical care or other services.
- Often times the family and friends of missed people experience something called “ambiguous loss,” which is the inability to confirm their loved one’s safety or lack of closure due to not knowing where they are. This creates unique psychological distress and can affect relationships with others as well.
- Missed people often have fewer resources available to them, including limited access to medical care or other services that would otherwise be provided if they were not missing. Additionally, they are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse due to their lack of resources.
- Missed people may have difficulty staying connected with family and friends, as well as having access to the services that are necessary for them to stay safe and healthy. They also may be unable to seek help from law enforcement or other organizations if they are in danger.
- Missed people also face unique health risks due to their lack of access to necessary medical care and services, as well as the potential for exploitation or abuse. Additionally, missing persons may suffer from mental and emotional distress that can affect their overall well-being.
- Missing persons may have special needs that must be addressed in order to ensure their safety and well-being. These needs may include access to legal services, financial assistance, or even support from other individuals who can relate to their experiences.
- Lastly, it is important to note that missing persons face a unique set of challenges due to their absence. It is critical for loved ones, law enforcement, and other organizations to provide support tailored to their individual needs. By doing so, we can help ensure that missed people have access to the services they need and are able to return home safely.
Bottom Line
The truth is that you won’t know if you miss someone until you try. Over time, you’ll start to realize that you don’t miss people as much as you thought you did, and you need them more than ever. If you miss someone, make an effort to call them or visit them. If you miss too much, you can always call or text them when you have a chance. As long as you take care of yourself, you’ll be able to make it up to your friends when you miss them.
