Antidote to loneliness

The Dalai Lama (via Buddha) has the answers to this modern-day (but perhaps age-old) dilemma.

From Essence of the heart sutra: the Dalai Lama's heart of wisdom teachings (page 52):

Understanding suffering in this way [the Dharma] is the first element of genuine compassion. The second element of genuine compassion, lovingkindness, developing a feeling of intimacy with and empathy toward all living beings, must be accomplished on the basis of recognising our interconnectedness and interdependence with them. We must develop a capacity to connect with others, to feel close to others. This can be accomplished by consciously and intentionally recollecting the limitations and the harmful consequences of self-cherishing - cherishing only one own's well-being - and then reflecting upon the virtues and merits of cherishing the well-being of others.

As Sogyal Rinpoche would say - clear?

In person (The quest for happiness, Adelaide public talk 21 June 2013), the Dalai Lama had more to say about loneliness, its causes and how we can overcome it:

• meditate on love
• develop loving kindness
• feel love not loneliness, self centredness, jealousy, competition
• lonely feelings are the creation of your own mental attitude

Meditating on love

1. Feel love for all beings as though you are their parents - devote your thoughts, words and deeds to making them happy. 
2. The cause of happiness is positive actions. Giving over to negative actions is at odds with this deepest wish to be happy. In attempting to find happiness, they instead experience suffering.
3. Over and over again, meditate on the thought of how wonderful it would be if all beings could have the happiness and comfort they wish for. Do this until you want others to be happy just as intensely as you want to be happy yourself.
4. 'Whenever catching sight of others, look on them with open, loving heart' (The way of the bodhisattva). Even when you simply look at someone else, let that look be smiling and pleasant.
5. Whatever actions you do with your body, try to do them gently and pleasantly, endeavouring to help others.
6. Make every single word you say pleasant and true.
7. When you help others do not wish for anything good in return. Simply wish for the others' happiness from the bottom of your heart and only consider what would be most beneficial for them.
8. Pray again and again with these words: 'Throughout all my lives, may I never harm so much as a single hair on another being's head, and may I always help each of them.'

Learn to be kind in thought, word and deed to all sentient beings.
The words of my perfect teacher (Patrul Rinpoche)