Sometimes, we can feel alone, but not lonely. Other times, we can feel lonely, but not be alone. Or maybe both at the same time. Either way, we all have felt either lonely or alone at some point in our lives. What’s the difference between these two terms?
Being “alone” refers to a physical state where you are physically by yourself. For instance, consider being by yourself in a room or living independently.
On the other hand, “lonely” refers to an emotional state where you feel disconnected from others; someone can still feel lonely even if loved ones surround them.
So, why do we want to understand the differences between these terms?
I find that it is important to understand these differences for my self-awareness and self-regulation. When I recognize which of these terms are in effect for my current circumstances, I can take a step back and consider how to move forward.
If I am feeling alone, I find that I often need to leave my room and interact with family and friends. I need to be around people that I value and who also value me—people that I enjoy being around! Always remember to surround yourself with people who bring authentic and genuine happiness into your life.
On the other hand, I often act differently if I am feeling lonely. When I feel lonely, I typically need to rehearse affirmations to myself and journal my thoughts. I tend to feel lonely due to being overwhelmed by various circumstances in my life. I often cope by doing my best to recognize how this hard time will pass with time.
Sometimes, life is hard! You might be alone or feel lonely and that is okay. You may also find that you cope with being alone and feeling lonely differently. It is important to recognize these differences to understand what you need at the moment. Always prioritize yourself and trust that you will be okay :)
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