How can you be ‘ALONE’ but not ‘LONELY’?

To be clear, being lonely is not the same as being alone. Loneliness is described as dissatisfaction brought on by a lack of friends or companionship. However, even when surrounded by friends or companions, many experience loneliness. You might also be lonely in your friendships or relationships. In the meanwhile, being alone means being alone, and believe me when I say there is nothing more pleasant than that. Do you enjoy being alone or do you get lonely when you are? 90% of people would reply no if I asked them a question like this. Yes, it is a circumstance that we despise or fear. Everyone wishes to be content with their family and friends. 

People today are lonelier than ever before, and they are suffering from depression, which leads to suicidal thoughts. Individuals now use "likes" and "comments" to gauge how interested others are in them. They'll chat for no purpose, joke for no cause, initiate connections just to feel less lonely or love the concept of others loving them, and use emojis to try to hide their sorrow. But, let's be honest, this isn't the correct response. When you build a life alone without feeling depressed, you will discover how truly awesome life can be.

You will realize how wonderful and amazing life can be once you learn how to live alone without feeling lonely. You'll begin to appreciate your life, the way you cope with situations, the food you prepare for yourself, the songs you sing in the shower, the way you dance while cleaning the home, the way you handle your obligations, and the relationships you form with those around you. The quality of your relationships will vastly increase if you learn to love yourself. You'll stick with people for the right purpose, and you'll know what you can and can't endure. 

Being alone, truly alone, forces you to process your own sense of self to the point where you no longer have to worry about it. The first step in learning to be alone is to embrace it rather than resist it. You spend far too much of your time picturing your life in a different light than it is now. Visualization is acceptable in one form, but in the form of concealment, it exacerbates the problem. Boundaries are beneficial to both you and the individuals with whom you contact. 

You now become the focus of your universe when you discover being alone. People can follow you if they want, but it's fine if they don't. It doesn't mean you should become egocentric or have high expectations, but once you figure out who you are, you'll be able to tell who resonates with you and who doesn't. They'll be aware as well. And if they don't, you'll let them know right away. You're the one who hasn't quite gained their boundaries. It's fine to confess it and focus on improving your situation. All the self-care, exercise, and gratitude lists in the world won't always be enough to help you overcome feelings of depression or loneliness. You don't have to wait until you're in a crisis to seek help. Making a consultation for the sole purpose of getting healthier and spending time alone is a completely valid justification. 

Finally, I'd want to share this thought with you.

“Your solitude will be a support and a home for you, even in the midst of very unfamiliar circumstances and from it you will find all your paths! ~ Rainer Maria Rilke 

Ms. Mini. V. K 

Assistant professor of Commerce 

Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna