What's the loneliest you've ever felt?

Anonymous
I've done quite a few pathetic things just to feel like someone's paying attention. I'm not a virgin, and I'm not an incel. I don't even flirt or expect them to say much more than small talk or hello.

At one point I used to sit down in dine-in restaurants. I didn't have many friends so I just started going alone. Eventually I realized I liked when waitresses would check on me. Even if it was just their job, I appreciated it. Even if my food was wrong, I wouldn't ask them to have it fixed. I'd just lie and say it's fine because I didn't want to upset anyone. And then I'd tip generously. Because I wasn't really there for food, I was just there to see a stranger smile and talk to me for once.

Or perhaps the times I've gone to get my teeth cleaned and the dental assistant would basically be close enough to feel like they're hugging me.

I never made anything weird. I never wanted anyone's number or to see them past whatever I'm paying for. Anyone else gone through any similar mindsets?
What's the loneliest you've ever felt?
3 Opinion