Loneliness vs. Aloneness
All of us, whether we admit it or not, are social animals. We do not do well without each other. We need, at least to some degree, each other—it's biological. Mammals just seem to be built that way, but it's all very relative.
Loneliness and aloneness are distinct from one another. People often get them confused. To be alone is to be solo. To be lonely is an emotional state, a feeling of isolation.
Although many of us, at times, enjoy being alone, a true loner is rare. A few people feel empowered by aloneness, whether on an ongoing basis or, "Please. Just leave me alone for awhile. I want to have a weekend to myself."
People may spend an afternoon with their dog and not feel alone. Others embrace their aloneness. However,, most people want to be with others, and fear aloneness.
Other people, not afraid to face their issues, don't have a problem being alone by themselves. But many people fear being alone. They might have to think a thought, heaven forbid. And most of us avoid people with a short fuse.
Because we're all different, and have varying degrees of social skill, a person who prefers to be alone is not to be condemned.
All of this relates to health:: social support structures are crucial to our health. This relates to social services, nursing homes, and the detrimental effects of loneliness on some individuals.
