I’ve sat with a lot of people who felt lonely even when around others. A lot of people feel it at work, at home, with friends or in long-term relationships.
I’m asking people all over the world what loneliness and connection look like in their lives, so we can learn more about what actually helps people feel less alone, more connected and closer to each other.
Part of The Love Whisperer
The Human Connections Project
The Hugs Campaign
A few years ago, I saw a group of people offering hugs to strangers in Canary Wharf, and it’s stayed with me ever since.
I’d like to do the same. I’ll be in public places like hospitals, train stations, bus stops and shopping centres, wearing a t-shirt that says “Free Hugs”, and offering a hug to anyone who wants or needs one.
There are no conditions and nothing is expected in return, and if you’d rather just stop and say hello, that’s fine too.
A hug from a stranger won’t fix everything, but it might help someone feel a little less alone for a moment, or remind them that someone cares and that things might be okay.
I haven’t started yet. Once I’m doing it regularly, I’ll share where I’ll be. If you’d like to come and find me for a hug, or share your own story, I’d love to hear from you.
The Survey
The survey starts with eight short questions about loneliness and connection. Once you’ve answered those, you can choose to carry on with a longer set of questions that go into more depth, such as what holds you back from sharing how you feel, your experiences growing up, and what helps you trust other people. Most questions are multiple choice, and there’s space to add your own words if you’d like to.
Some questions touch on painful experiences, so please take your time. Every question has a “Prefer not to say” option, and you can stop at any point. You don’t need to give your name. If you’d like to hear about the findings, there’s a link at the end to join my newsletter. It’s a separate form, so your email address is never connected to your answers.
The survey is for adults aged 18 and over, anywhere in the world. I’ll use your answers to understand more about loneliness and connection, and anything I share will never identify you.
If you’re struggling right now, you can find support here.
A Bit About Me
I’m Yazz, an accredited psychotherapist with more than 15 years’ experience, and the founder of The Love Whisperer. Most of my work is about helping people understand themselves and each other, so they can make more conscious choices in their relationships and in the world.
I’m also AuDHD, which means I’m autistic and have ADHD, and I know what it’s like to experience the world a little differently from the people around me. That’s part of why this project matters to me. I don’t think connection looks the same for everyone, and I’d like to understand more about what helps different people feel close to each other, in their own way.
I know from my own life what it’s like to be cut off from the world. There have been times when I haven’t left the house for months, and even everyday things can be very difficult for me. Knowing I might help someone feel more connected is one of the things that makes it possible for me to go out.
What I learn here will also shape the books I’m writing. My books already draw on what people share with me in my work, and this project means I can include the experiences of many more people, from all over the world.
