A city without loneliness: How ordinary people created a place where there are no sad people

A revolutionary social experiment in the Netherlands
Imagine a city where no one feels alone, where every day is filled with smiles and friendly gestures. This is not a fantasy, but a reality in the small town of Zutenhagen in the Netherlands. A few years ago, a unique social experiment began here, the purpose of which is to eradicate loneliness and create a real community of people.

The idea of the project belongs to a group of local activists who noticed how quickly modern technology and urban rhythm are destroying human connections. They decided to try to change that by introducing a few simple but revolutionary rules to make the city a place where no one is left out.



The Simple Rules of Happy Neighborhood
The main idea of the experiment is to restore the culture of neighborhood and create conditions where everyone feels needed. Here are the basic rules that were implemented in Zutenhagen:

• Open Doors: City dwellers are encouraged to leave the doors of their homes open to neighbors at certain times. This helps build trust and facilitates communication.
• Common lunches: Once a week in each district, there are joint lunches where all residents can share food and stories.
• Neighbourhood assistance: Each resident takes part in solving each other's household problems, whether it be repairs, garden care or helping the elderly.
• Daily meetings: In the city center there are cozy meeting spaces where people can chat over a cup of coffee or play board games.
• Discarding gadgets: Every Friday there is a "day without the internet" in the city to allow people to spend more time together.

These simple but effective rules helped the people of Zutenhagen feel part of a single family.

How the city got rid of depression in a year
The results of the experiment were stunning. A year later, the level of depression in Zutenhagen decreased by 65%, and the number of visits to psychotherapists decreased by half. People began to spend more time together, organize parties, engage in joint creativity and sports.

"We felt like we were really surrounded by friends, not just neighbors," said Martha, 34, who used to feel isolated in the big city. Now her days are filled with communication and joy, and she has even begun to participate in the organization of district events.

Studies have also shown that the physical health of residents has improved. This is due not only to psychological comfort, but also to the fact that people began to walk more, help each other and take part in the active life of the community.

Real Life Transformation Stories
One of the most inspiring examples is the story of 72-year-old Peter, who lived alone after the death of his wife and hardly left home. Thanks to the initiative of the neighbors, who began to invite him for lunches and walks, Peter again felt a taste for life. Now he helps organize events for the elderly and even participates in the local choir.

Another story involves 19-year-old Thomas, who moved to Zutenhagen, suffering from anxiety disorder. The warmth and support of his neighbors helped him deal with the problem. Today, Thomas studies psychology and dreams of creating such communities in other cities.

Practical tips for creating a happy community
If you want to be inspired by Zutenhagen and create something similar in your neighborhood, here are some ideas:

• Arrange meetings: Start with small activities such as tea parties or game nights.
• Create a shared chat: Invite neighbors to the messenger or social network to discuss ideas and plans.
• Engage everyone: Find tasks that can interest everyone, whether it’s helping with shopping or creating a shared garden.
• Be an example: Show kindness and openness to inspire others.
• Be the initiator: Offer ideas that bring people together, such as cleaning the neighborhood, setting up benches or a street concert.

Conclusion
A city without loneliness is not a utopia, but a reality that can be created with desire and effort. Zutenhagen’s example shows that simple steps, such as sharing dinners or helping neighbors, can dramatically change people’s lives, making them brighter and happier.

Be inspired by this story and start building your happy community. Being part of something bigger is the easiest way to be happy and harmonious.