Alone but Not Lonely
Being lonely is not the same thing as being alone.
Being alone means not having others around, it’s just a physical state. Many people seek solitude to rejuvenate or enjoy their own company. It can be a time of creativity, introspection, and peace.
Often people can think there’s something wrong if you’re alone or choose to do something alone. And they subsequently come up with conclusions that the only probable reason is that you don’t have friends, you’re boring or a ‘loner’. But why does this have to be the case? Being and choosing to be alone should not be perceived as unappealing. Rather it should be about choosing yourself, over anything or anyone else. It’s an opportunity to carve out space or time to find peace and solitude — to reflect, unwind, and maybe even to be creative.
Even I believe in one thing if want to do something big or achieve something you desire, you’ve to go through that process alone. Maybe you can surrounded by like-minded people, or a few persons will motivate you, but you have to complete the journey alone. You can make the best of yourself in your quiet days.
Loneliness, on the other hand, is an emotional experience. It can happen even when surrounded by others. It is caused by a lack of connection or fulfillment, where one feels isolated, misunderstood, or disconnected.
One way to think about it is that you could be in a room full of people and feel like the loneliest person in the world but equally, you could be around only one person and feel content. So the key is to surround yourself with people who really care about you and who make you feel safe. One good friend is far more valuable than having 10 bad ones. So to tackle loneliness it is quality of people over quantity.
These are a few ways below to take the first step to come out of your loneliness and start socializing and being engaged.
Meet in Parks, Cafes, and Restaurants
It’s great that we can gather in these places again, but take it slow and stick to what feels comfortable for you. Start by meeting just one person in an open public space, like a park, to ease loneliness and gradually build your confidence in social settings.
Join Groups
Whether it’s for fitness, a hobby, or volunteering, joining a community is a great way to meet new people, step out of your comfort zone, and enjoy activities that make you happy. You’ll find like-minded people who might even become lifelong friends.
Surround Yourself with Caring People
This is perhaps the most important step. Focus on maintaining friendships and relationships that are healthy, positive, and built on mutual respect, kindness, trust, and compassion. Reconnect with family or friends you care about but haven’t spoken to in a while.
Be Open and Honest
Don’t hide or mask your feelings, especially with those in your inner circle. Sharing your challenges encourages others to do the same, allowing you to support each other. Also, avoid comparing yourself to others, as everyone’s situation is different, and we often don’t know the full story.
Ultimately, understanding and embracing the difference between solitude and loneliness can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life. Being alone doesn’t have to equate to being lonely; it can be a choice that empowers and enriches one’s life journey.
