We know what can cause loneliness, from online habits to other cultural shifts – but what makes us feel connected and cared for?
The rise of social media, disappearing third spaces, displeasure with dating apps: in 2026, there are plenty of possible culprits when it comes to loneliness.
But what makes people feel connected and cared for? Below are six stories about the gestures that made Guardian readers feel less lonely.
Since 2019, I’ve had a run of hard luck, with relationships ending and a chronic illness. I live alone and now work from home, but do keep somewhat active, seeing friends for walks at the weekend. But seeing others’ lives move on, when I appear to be moving down a different trajectory, has been painful.
But this brings me to the kindness that I’ve experienced on my doorstep. Almost every Saturday since the first Covid lockdown, my neighbour has left me two bread rolls for my breakfast. She buys these for me while she is out early, before the shops get busy, to buy the weekly food for her family. Each Saturday, she leaves a small brown paper bag on my doorstep, containing two personally selected bread rolls for me, and lets me know they are there by a message on WhatsApp when she wishes me good morning.
