subject: The Twin Curse Of Being Single And Lonely [print this page] For people who are single, loneliness is always a source of potential concern. Almost everyone goes through periods of loneliness at some point, but it is people who are single that are more likely to bear the full weight of isolation. When you are single, loneliness may become a reoccurring concern, particularly if you are a bit of a loner to begin with. Without a partner to share your joys and fears with, you only have yourself to rely on when loneliness gets the better of you.
Chronic loneliness can also affect your health in many significant ways. Results of different studies point to a direct link between loneliness and certain types of illnesses. One of the most publicized studies in recent years revealed a correlation between chronic loneliness and health conditions affecting the immune system. Conducted by the researchers at the University of California, the study showed that white blood cells in the immune system of chronically lonely people exhibited markedly depending on the behavior from the cells of otherwise happy people. These results seem to suggest that a constant state of loneliness is severely detrimental to health.
Of course it doesn't necessarily follow that all single people are lonely. There are many people who live quite happily without the benefit of a relationship, and loneliness never enters into the picture. Much of the satisfaction with being single comes from confidence and ease with one's self. After all, if you aren't comfortable with yourself, there is much less chance of someone being comfortable with you. Furthermore, relying on other people to ease your loneliness may indicate a deeper and more complex emotional issue that will need to be addressed.
One way to go about things is to look at being single in a more positive light. Keep in mind that many people would actually envy you for being single, and loneliness should be the least of your worries. Remember that so many other people have it much worse than you. While you shouldn't take comfort in the fact that you are better off than other people, the realization that things aren't really that bad should give you more perspective with regard to your being single.
Loneliness can be a negatively powerful force in anyone's life, but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way even if you are single. After all, you have a lot more time to spend on yourself and your own interests, and you never have to worry about being the life of the party for anyone. You are also basically free to do what you want with your time and money, and even your own life. As much of a joy as it is to be in a relationship, there is a good chance that you will have to give up many of your own interests and a bit of your personal freedom. In many ways, it can be quite a blessing to be single, and loneliness doesn't have to concern you unless you let it.
