{"id":2719,"date":"2023-04-06T03:59:24","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T01:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/midlifehours.com\/?p=2719"},"modified":"2024-10-15T09:32:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T07:32:00","slug":"difference-between-solitude-and-loneliness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/midlifehours.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/06\/difference-between-solitude-and-loneliness\/","title":{"rendered":"Loneliness versus Solitude: How to Tell the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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SHAUNA NIEQUIST QUOTE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This post explores the difference between solitude (intentionally spending time alone) and loneliness (feeling and being emotionally disconnected from others).<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s widely believed that we are shaped to live in community with others because it gives us a sense of belonging. But to connect with others in meaningful and healthy ways requires knowing yourself well. Developing such self-awareness requires self-reflection<\/a>. And self-reflection is best done when you’re alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between solitude and loneliness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer depends on how you view and experience the two concepts. For example, as an INFJ personality<\/a> and social introvert, I value solitude. I relish the freedom of spending time alone. It’s a precious time to process life and to recharge my energy levels. In fact, I function better with regular doses of solitude, particularly after social engagements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, loneliness relates to feeling dissatisfied, uncomfortable, and even sad when spending time alone. A 2018 study<\/a> shows that loneliness is a prevalent, global challenge which has been linked to multiple chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and metabolic disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loneliness is also considered a major predictor of psychological problems including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wonder if this psychological distress can be eased if we better understand how to spend time by ourselves?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do loneliness and solitude have to do with midlife? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research describes solitude as a developmental milestone, similar to emotional maturity. That’s because when you extract yourself from social and physical contexts, it leaves space for self-examination. You have a chance to re-conceptualise your sense of self. Over time, you’ve evolved and grown. Your views and beliefs have been tested and may have shifted. Spending time alone to reflect on these shifts can help you notice your growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One research article<\/a> poses a few useful questions to explore solitude in a useful way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n