When We Become Strangers: How loneliness leaks into our lives, and what we can do about it

The growing loneliness and social isolation in our families and communities is explored in Maggie Hamilton's book "What's Happening to Our Boys? and What's Happening to Our Girls?" She proposes practical solutions and an uplifting vision to combat this issue.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2021
Publisher: Murdoch Books

A timely warning shot over our collective bows serves as a poignant reminder that awareness without action is utterly futile. This thought-provoking and challenging exploration delves into our future, offering a poignant reflection on the state of our society.

- Michael Carr-Gregg, a renowned psychologist and bestselling author, restores hope by providing simple, practical steps that we can all embrace to cultivate a sense of safety and connection. Through his work, he encourages us to build a new way of living that combats the estrangement we all feel.

- Katrina Cavanough, CEO of The Kindness On Purpose Movement, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of restoring hope and offering practical solutions to foster a sense of belonging. She believes that our growing reliance on technology and passive entertainment has led to a decline in meaningful connections, contributing to depression and anxiety. Cavanough advocates for a more engaged community that prioritizes human interaction and meaningful relationships.

After decades of affluence, we find ourselves caught in a cycle of renovation, self-improvement, and passive entertainment. Our homes are being meticulously renovated, our bodies are being buffed and Botoxed, and our minds are being lost in the endless stream of passive entertainment and shopping. However, beneath this façade of materialism and superficiality, depression and anxiety are soaring to unprecedented heights.

The arrival of platforms like Netflix and Uber Eats has further exacerbated our reliance on convenience, reducing the incentive to leave our homes. We have become accustomed to the ease of staying in, surrounded by the comfort of our familiar surroundings. But could our constant need for connection be having a profound impact on our brains? Is it possible that our reliance on technology and social media is eroding our ability to strike up conversations with strangers, to engage in meaningful interactions with those around us?

The consequences of our growing loneliness are far-reaching. Our relationships at home, at work, and in our communities are struggling. We yearn for a sense of belonging, but the challenges we face seem insurmountable. In the face of this societal crisis, Maggie Hamilton, the author of "What's Happening to Our Boys?" and "What's Happening to Our Girls?" takes a deep dive into our growing loneliness and proposes practical solutions and an uplifting vision to combat the increasing social isolation in our families and communities.

Hamilton explores the root causes of our growing loneliness, from the changing nature of work and the rise of remote work to the decline of community and social engagement. She sheds light on the impact of technology on our relationships, highlighting the ways in which it can both facilitate and hinder communication. She also offers practical solutions to combat loneliness, such as cultivating meaningful connections, engaging in volunteer work, and prioritizing self-care.

Hamilton's vision for a more engaged community is inspiring. She advocates for a return to the values of community, connection, and human interaction. She encourages us to build stronger relationships with our families, our neighbors, and our communities, to prioritize quality time and meaningful conversations. She also proposes the creation of community spaces and programs that promote social engagement and connection, such as community gardens, book clubs, and youth programs.

In conclusion, the growing loneliness epidemic is a pressing concern that requires our collective attention. By recognizing the impact of our constant need for connection on our brains and our relationships, we can take steps. practical steps to combat loneliness and build a more engaged community. Through initiatives such as cultivating meaningful connections, engaging in volunteer work, and prioritizing self-care, we can work towards creating a society that values human interaction and fosters a sense of belonging. By embracing the values of community, connection, and human interaction, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911668060