Is it easy to feel lonely living in the United States? A Chinese user on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, known as “Eric’s Mom Who Tells It Like It Is,” recently shared that most of her friends—like herself—only decided to settle in the U.S. long-term after getting married and having children there. She believes that individuals living alone abroad can easily become socially isolated if they lack stable connections; indeed, her own current social circle was built almost entirely around raising her children.
“Eric’s Mom Who Tells It Like It Is” noted that many parts of the U.S. have low population density, and daily activities often revolve around the family unit. For those planning to settle down but finding it difficult to make new friends, she suggests getting a dog; activities like dog walking, visiting dog parks, and attending pet-owner events can create opportunities for interaction. For introverts who are uncomfortable initiating social contact, a pet can also serve as a natural icebreaker for conversations with strangers.
Some netizens agree that the U.S. is not particularly convenient for single people. Outside of major cities like New York, getting around without a car is difficult; rents for one-bedroom apartments are high, and groceries often come in large, family-sized packages, making the costs of housing, food, and taxes relatively burdensome for those living alone. Others observe that while American culture ostensibly respects individual choices, it places a high value on personal boundaries; interpersonal interactions often feel polite yet distant, making it harder to find a sense of “warm,” close companionship.
However, another group of netizens argues that loneliness depends primarily on personality and the ability to build relationships, rather than the country itself. Some say they dislike frequent gatherings or excessive intimacy, preferring the quiet solitude of life after work; compared to lifestyles that require constant socializing, visiting relatives, and dealing with others’ judgments, the U.S. involves less forced social interaction, offering a more comfortable environment for some introverts.