Old research on loneliness: E. Fromm, The Art of Loving. To paraphrase: (1) For humans the fundamental problem in life is doing something effective about fee

Old research on loneliness: E. Fromm, The Art of Loving. To paraphrase: (1) For humans the fundamental problem in life is doing something effective about feeling alone. (2) The first recommended solution is a good romantic relationship. (3) In such a relationship, the couple (A) gives knowledge of themselves to each other, (B) cares about each other, (C) respects each other, and (D) responds to each other. The couple has love -- compassionate, committed, affectionate, romantic, intimate, passionate, and faithful. They are honest with each other and can trust each other. Exercise: Look at other couples and estimate how many of these features of love their relationship has. Hint: May find that only a small fraction of the couples have more than four of these features. Result: A large fraction of people have no or poor romantic relationships and are lonely.