Can a person be alone and not feel lonely?

1. 83

   Jacqueline4390posted 9 years ago

   Can a person be alone and not feel lonely?
   
   As the holiday seasons approach—people rush to prepare for the upcoming events. It is at this particular time that those who are without family for whatever reason can feel the “sting” the most. Can a person be alone and not feel lonely?
   
   

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2. 66

   Ghaaz Bposted 9 years ago

   I think the type of person you're looking for is an 'introvert'. Introverted people enjoy being alone, but that doesn't mean they don't feel lonely.
   
   A lot of times, people who enjoy being alone recognize (whether real or imagined) that they have troubles connecting socially, and so social events turn into more of a chore than a pleasantry.
   
   I think it's worth mentioning though that solitary confinement is considered to be the most unbearable form of punishment by almost everyone, including most law enforcement, ethicists, hardened criminals, philosophers, evolutionary psychologists and sociopaths.

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   1. 83

      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Being semi-introverted myself, I can agree with your answer. There are times when I need to be alone to collect my thoughts.

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   2. 66

      Ghaaz Bposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Same here! But boy, is it ever nice to share those thoughts with people later!

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   moustafatotoposted 9 years ago

   maybe if he had nice memories to always think about

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's true about memories ... but sometimes can we get too comfortable and safe in our memories that we can't face the present?

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4. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   Being alone and being lonely are two different things.
   Being lonely is a "state of mind". This person either wishes to be with others or they're with people but they don't (feel) "connected" to them.
   It's not unheard of for people to be married and still feel (lonely). Being with people doesn't necessarily keep one from (feeling alone).
   On the other hand being alone by choice and having some "me time" can be quite enjoyable for a lot of folks. They may enjoy the solitude of reading, working on a hobby, going for a walk, working out at the gym, or flying solo to see a movie or grab a bite to it. Relaxing!
   Not everyone is a huge fan of the holiday season. Some would rather jet off to Cancun, Jamaica, or some other tropical destination to play in the sun with a (special someone) rather than sit around with family members talking. Others prefer hanging out with their friends!
   It's been said: "Friends are the family (you) choose."

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5. 69

   Lori P.posted 9 years ago

   I think people can feel lonely around the holidays because of how society has defined what a holiday celebration is. We all envision a Norman Rockwell painting with families gathered around a table.
   
   Some people need to define what the holiday means to them. And it might not include family or any other people at all.
   
   I like that a person can be alone without feeling lonely because it means he is at peace with himself and perhaps that he realizes that no one is ever truly alone because in a cosmic way, we'll all connected.

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's a great answer and I agree. The holidays are always depict as a time that families get together. However, sometimes it can only emphasize the broken and disillusioned. Its good to know one can celebrate alone if desired.

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   readmylipsposted 9 years ago

   Definitely! On the flipside, a person can also be surrounded by people and yet still feel lonely. I would agree with dashingscorpio that being lonely is a state of mind.

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That is true; especially when you can be lonely in a relationship.

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7. 71

   manatita44posted 9 years ago

   Of course. Still, most don't and let me add that this aloneness can happen even with couples living together. Neither my peace nor yours can come from others. It is an inner experience. Hence instructions have been handed down for generations on prayer, meditation, moral and ethical values and virtues, to enhance our happiness.
   
   Humans are gregarious my nature, and yes, we sometimes feel lonely, But as our spirituality deepens, we come to realise that true happiness comes from within, and is reliant, not on other company or friends; not on alcohol but on a Higher Source. Hope this helps.

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      Jacqueline4390posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your great insight!

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   dghbrhposted 9 years ago

   I completely agree with dashinscorpio....being alone and feeling alone is two different things. Being alone is a physical situation where one may be physically alone but mentally happy and feeling alone can be a mental situation where one can be among company but mentally alone and unhappy too. A person can be alone but happy as one may enjoy many options as told by dashingscorpio like reading, painting, writing etc. But a person may b not happy instead of being among people and they may feel lonely as they may not connect with nobody. So a busy person who enjoy may be some hobby and prefers the specific me time may not feel lonely. A trip taken alone can be enjoyable provided the person is interested to explore any dream place and make the post of it.

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