Social isolation during childhood can have a big effect on how kids build relationships when they grow up.

Emotional Difficulties
When children feel isolated, they might deal with loneliness and low self-esteem. This can make it hard for them to connect with others as adults.
For example, imagine going on a first date but feeling scared to open up because you were rejected in the past.

Social Skills Deficits
When kids don’t have many chances to interact with their peers, they miss out on important social skills.
Think about a child who hasn’t practiced sharing or solving arguments. As an adult, they might feel nervous about working in a group.

Trust Issues
Kids who feel isolated may also struggle to trust others. This can make forming close relationships later on difficult.
Picture being in a long-term relationship but feeling suspicious of your partner because you didn’t have enough social experiences growing up.

In summary, early experiences with social interaction can shape how people handle relationships throughout their lives.