Another subtle trait of people who are very lonely is that they don't believe they're worthy of being loved. Their experience in isolation mistakenly makes them believe that they're too broken to love or be loved. As a result, they have a hard time bridging the gap between themselves and others and create strong connections. In her TED Talk "The Power of Vulnerability," researcher and author Brené Brown explained that "Connection is why we're here. It's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives." Through her research, Brown discovered that "There was only one variable that separated the people who have a strong sense of love and belonging and the people who really struggle for it."

NEXT PAGE>