subject: Solitude And Loneliness-how Different Are They? [print this page] Solitude and loneliness...two human conditions often linked with each other. Both connoting a similarity melancholic state, these two condition are often associated with feelings of isolation and/or despair. However, just how similar are these two, or more appropriately, how different are they? The answer lies in the matter of choice.
When discussing solitude vs loneliness, most people think that the conditions are both something to be avoided or pitied. This is certainly often the case with loneliness, as this emotional condition can be wrought with unbearable feelings of isolation or abandonment. Interestingly enough, even people who you would think would be the last people to have a reason to be lonely are in fact some of the loneliest people on the planet. This is the case with so many of the rich and famous, which number among them globally renowned celebrities in sports and entertainment.
While it would seem that such highly regarded and successful people have little reason to be lonely, a closer look at their circumstances reveals a fertile breeding ground for harboring feelings of loneliness. Once you have reached a certain level of accomplishment, it can be pretty hard to find people you can relate to on a social and/or personal level. The struggle to get to the top and the resulting trappings of success leave you with very few people you actually have something in common with. Out of these few, it becomes exponentially more difficult to find people that you actually like. This state of isolation is one of the most common causes of loneliness in people who seemingly "have it all".
Then there is the issue of finding people that you can actually trust. Success often comes with many perks, and along with them, many people eager to partake of the spoils. Once you have reached a certain level of accomplishment, it can be very difficult to differentiate between those who genuinely enjoy your company and those who merely want something for you. Faced with these circumstances, most people would tend to shy away from personal contact, and this can bring about a profound state of loneliness.
Solitude is not quite the same thing at all. Although often assigned a negative connotation, many people actually seek out solitude in a healthy manner, with no desire to shun others or turn away from society out of any ill-feelings. For some people, solitude is in fact a healing or recovery process, or one that aids in serious contemplation.
So what is the main difference between solitude and loneliness? As mentioned in the beginning of this article, the main factor is simply choice. While we cannot choose when to start feeling lonely, and-often-when to snap out of it, solitude is something which people generally have control over. To be sure, solitude can be the cause, effect, and even trigger of loneliness. Regardless of which role it plays in your loneliness, it is perhaps comforting to realize that the power to end solitude remains largely in your hands.
