Why You Feel Lonely Even When You’re Not Alone (And How Printed Photos Can Help)
Even when life’s full, it can still feel like something’s missing. Here’s how slowing down, printing photos, and holding onto real moments can help you feel connected again.
I'm surrounded by people all day long—but I still feel lonely. Do you know the feeling?
Not the obvious kind of lonely. The sneaky kind that creeps in when your calendar is jam-packed but your soul feels a little empty. When you're constantly "connecting" constantly with meetings, drop-offs, mundane life things, but not really connecting at all.
The good news is, I know where to find the connection I crave—that soul-deep feeling of being truly seen and heard. The kind of family connection that makes you feel less alone in the world, not just less alone in a room.
Here's what I'm learning: connection requires intention. It doesn't just happen between the meetings and the carpools and the grocery runs. We have to create space for it, protect it, choose it.
And to be honest, we're all fighting an uphill battle:
- Our phones are designed to keep us scrolling
- Our schedules are designed to keep us productive
- Neither helps us truly connect with the people who matter most
I'm not saying social media is bad or that we should throw our phones in the closest body of water (though some days...). I'm just saying that a like on Instagram can't replace a real conversation. A funny TikTok or Reel can't replace looking someone in the eyes and asking how they're really doing.
There's nothing like those time-stopping moments when you're fully present with someone you love.
When my kids were young, it was our nightly ritual of stories and cuddles that did it for me. These days, it's the random weeknight when one of my kids calls just to chat, or when my husband and I get a moment to walk our dogs together.
Those moments? They're the good stuff. And I want more of them.
I'm not perfect at this, but I am trying to create more space for real connection by making some small changes:
I'm putting my phone down more. Even though it can be hard sometimes.
I'm making actual eye contact. When someone's talking to me—small but impactful.
I'm saying yes to impromptu conversations. Even when my to-do list is to-do list-ing.
I'm printing our photos regularly. Instead of keeping them stuffed away in my camera roll.
That last one? It's made a bigger difference than I could have ever imagined.
Research shows that looking at printed photos together increases feelings of confidence, belonging, and connection. And I've seen it happen in my own home.
Here's why printed photos work better than digital ones for creating family connection:
They create shared experiences
When you pull out a photo book and flip through it together, something shifts. Suddenly, you're laughing about that camping trip disaster or remembering how tiny someone used to be.
They spark real conversations
The conversations flow, the memories come alive, and for those few minutes, everyone's fully present together—no phones, no distractions.
They make everyday moments matter
That's why we created Monthbooks—because everyday moments deserve to be remembered too. Not just the big vacations or milestone birthdays, but the regular Thursdays that somehow turn out to be perfect. Randomly having fun at the supermarket with your significant other. The sun on your kids' faces while they're laughing on the swings at the playground. Now, that's the stuff we crave.
We're living the good 'ole days right now. I know it doesn't always feel that way when you're wiping up spills or running late to practice, but these are the days we'll miss someday.
So how do we actually hold onto them? Here's what's working for me:
I'm printing our photos—right now
Not "someday," not "when I have time." A subscription makes it SO easy, I barely have to think about it. Life happens, photos get printed. Done.
I'm creating gathering points
Our photo books live on the coffee table, not tucked away on a shelf. They get picked up, flipped through, pointed at. "Remember this?" happens a lot more when the memories are right there.
I'm getting photos off my phone
Turning them into actual prints that live on our walls and nightstands means I see them every day. They make me smile when I'm brushing my teeth or making dinner. That's worth something.
Here's why the printing thing matters: These tangible memories become conversation starters. They sit in our living room, visiting friends pick them up, and suddenly everyone's sharing stories and laughing about that time and this time. Those are the moments when everyone's truly present together. That is the type of cup-filling connection we're all chasing after.
If you've been feeling that sneaky kind of loneliness—the kind where you're busy but not fulfilled—maybe this is your sign to try something different:
- Slow down, even just a little bit—take in all those tiny, joyful moments
- Make space and time for the unplanned conversations
- Print those photos collecting dust in your camera roll
- Start a simple tradition, like looking at photo books together on Saturday mornings
The thing about printed photos is they do more than just preserve memories. They actively create the connection we're all craving. They give us reasons to gather, to reminisce, to be fully present with each other. We could all use more of that.
Start creating more connection in whatever way feels right for you. And thanks for being here and for trusting us with your memories—we're so grateful for this community.
Ready to create more family connection through printed photos?
- Start capturing everyday moments with Monthbooks - Easy, enjoyable, done
- Create a gift-worthy Classic Photo Book - Premium quality for life's biggest moments
- Get your photos off your phone with Prints - Tangible memories for your walls
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