Lonely or Alone

This was the title of a WSJ article a few days ago.  "Loneliness is the feeling of social isolation or dissatisfaction with your relationships, It's not just about whether there are others around you. It's about whether the ones around you are those you can trust."

Many more people in the US live alone than ever before.  In 1970 17% of American households were one-person, now it is 27%. Maybe this is because it's far easier to dissolve a marriage today than it was in 1970.

Alone turns to loneliness when you tell yourself that you are feeling lonely.  You are the one telling yourself that you are lonely. For some people being alone is no big deal - they handle it well.  For others, they are lost when alone.

The need for social interaction varies widely.  Some need a lot, and when they don't get it, they have feelings of loneliness.  I'm on the low side of the spectrum.  I often want to be alone, and the social interaction I need is one on one.  I don't like larger groups of people or even loud groups. 

We are all different, and that's a good thing.