Loneliness and other negative connotations are frequently associated with solitude, but don’t get confused by these terms and feelings, as they are not the same. In this context, these two words allude to the agony and pleasure of being alone. 

Solitude

Solitude is all about being with yourself, and being okay with it. Embracing it. Solitude is the state of being alone without being lonely. It is a place where we can happily and eagerly express ourselves because when we are able to disengage from the demands of other people and the world around us, we suddenly free up mental space to focus on those things that have long demanded our attention. One of the benefits of solitude is freedom; the pressures of others have no effect on a person who is spending time alone, giving the person more liberty in their actions. With more freedom, a person’s choices are less likely to be influenced by interactions with others. A further proven benefit of spending time alone is self-development. When we spend time alone and away from others, we may experience changes to our self-concept.

Loneliness

Loneliness, on the other hand, is a negative state characterized by feelings of isolation. Something appears to be missing. It is possible to be surrounded by people and still feel lonely – this is perhaps the most painful form of loneliness.

Loneliness is a negative emotional reaction to perceived isolation. Loneliness is also referred to as social pain, which is a psychological mechanism that drives people to seek social connections. It is frequently linked to an unwelcome lack of connection and intimacy. 

The Balance 

The trick is about finding the right balance between these two states. By actively taking the time to be in isolation it allows us to find balance. Extroverted people live primarily on social life, whereas introverted people tolerate loneliness much better. Both ultimately need a certain amount of solitude to find harmony.

We can deal with these feelings more easily by engaging in various activities, such as discovering hobbies that we enjoy or possibly adopting a pet. If we are intimidated by these feelings, spending quality time with friends or seeking professional help, if available, can be a great way to cope. Anything goes. Some of the greatest works of art arrived from either solitude or loneliness. 

It is critical to remember that we are not alone in this; each of us has felt this way at least once in our lives, so don’t let yourself sink. Allow yourself to experience your emotions. It simply means you are a human being.

You’ve got this.

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