Loneliness does not always look like being alone. Sometimes loneliness sits in a crowded room. Sometimes it smiles at work. Sometimes it answers, “I’m fine,” because explaining the truth feels too heavy. As we recognize Loneliness Awareness Week, we are reminded that connection does not happen by accident. It happens in the spaces we create for one another. It happens when someone feels safe enough to be honest, and when someone else is willing to listen without rushing to fi