Today, we live in a society where we can look left and right in public and see couples
often doing public displays of affection. Now there's nothing criminal about a couple revealing their love for one another, nevertheless; for the people who have not found their significant other, it could often create a sense of "loneliness" or feel alone, but wait, what's the difference between these two? Alone and Loneliness, two similar feelings of which intertwine with each other and are frequently both perceived by the general public of being both terrible.
Alone: (adj) to be separate, apart, isolated from all others. Loneliness: (adj) to be affected by, characterized by, or causing a depressing feeling of being alone; lonesome. The definitions of the two are both alike and can be understandably mixed up or assumed to be identical. However, the main difference of which sets the two feelings apart would be that one can be a personal choice, while the other isn’t. Being alone can be a choice, and can be a beneficial decision at that. Which unlike loneliness implies a feeling of sadness produced by the absence of affection or attention, having someone to be a "missing piece" in their lives, and because of this, these people who feel lonely are the same people who say they feel "alone." The case of the "lonely epidemic" remains to become a growing problem in today's society as it is a "human health hazard comparable to smoking and obesity" and can even "shorten life spans" according to a Harvard study. Multiple Researches at the University of California, San Diego verify this, as
Ellen Lee characterized their study's findings of moderate to severe loneliness "to be associated
with everything bad. It's linked to poor mental health."
We live in a society where the concept of our happiness derives from a "significant other." Because of this, it's understandable why some people fret at the notion of being alone, the feeling of not receiving of love or the same type of affection which seems to fly so commonly in the air, can be quite frustrating. Take this from someone who tried to force himself into a relationship, believing that somebody could fill the empty void which was inside. The truth to be told is that you can be happy with yourself and not feel lonely. Furthermore, being alone can be a choice, yet, being alone means the feeling of yourself being good enough, that you don't rely on the affection of others to complete yourself. Solitude or the state of being alone can serve as "a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself." Besides, being solo can often be times of reflecting for one's self, and being able to search for "inner growth or enjoyment" of some kind. Before we can commit to ourselves to a lasting relationship, we should be "alone" for a moment to grow as a person. To conclude, no one but ourselves is responsible for our happiness, and before we commit ourselves to others; we must learn to love ourselves first, for we don't need someone to make ourselves a whole.
Sources:
Julia, et al. “Loneliness: An Epidemic?” Science in the News, 27 June 2019, http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/loneliness-an-epidemic/ .
We live in a society where the concept of our happiness derives from a "significant other." Because of this, it's understandable why some people fret at the notion of being alone, the feeling of not receiving of love or the same type of affection which seems to fly so commonly in the air, can be quite frustrating. Take this from someone who tried to force himself into a relationship, believing that somebody could fill the empty void which was inside. The truth to be told is that you can be happy with yourself and not feel lonely. Furthermore, being alone can be a choice, yet, being alone means the feeling of yourself being good enough, that you don't rely on the affection of others to complete yourself. Solitude or the state of being alone can serve as "a positive and constructive state of engagement with oneself." Besides, being solo can often be times of reflecting for one's self, and being able to search for "inner growth or enjoyment" of some kind. Before we can commit to ourselves to a lasting relationship, we should be "alone" for a moment to grow as a person. To conclude, no one but ourselves is responsible for our happiness, and before we commit ourselves to others; we must learn to love ourselves first, for we don't need someone to make ourselves a whole.
Sources:
Julia, et al. “Loneliness: An Epidemic?” Science in the News, 27 June 2019, http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/loneliness-an-epidemic/ .
Estrada 2
Estrada 3
Marano, Hara Estroff. “What Is Solitude?” Psychology Today , Sussex Publishers, 1 July
2003, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200307/what-is-solitude?collection=62123 .
“Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's Most-Trusted Online Dictionary.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/.
“Dictionary by Merriam-Webster: America's Most-Trusted Online Dictionary.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/.
The concept behind this piece is really well thought out, and makes you think about your own choices in life. Good job! -Katryna Kerth
ReplyDeleteI like how you compared the difference between the terms "alone" and "loneliness." It distinguishes the difference of making the personal choice to be alone or the feeling of having loneliness and not being able to choose otherwise. Loving yourself then sharing that with someone else will make you even happier.
ReplyDeleteI've had these kinds of thoughts before too! Many people have said, "You look lonely," when I am sitting or walking by myself. But, I reply, "I'm not lonely. I'm just alone." Sometimes, you just need time to yourself to think or for some peace and quiet. You don't always have to rely on others. It's interesting how you also connected it to relationships. Good job! ^-^
ReplyDeleteI really loved this piece! I love how you compared being alone with loneliness, and established a sense of self empowerment by stating people can choose whether or not they want to feel the emotion of loneliness. It definitely does put a lot of things, especially relations in high school in to perspective
ReplyDeleteDominic, I like how you start off with what you see in today's society and your thoughts of being alone but not not lonely. I also like how you brought it to the psychological aspect of where society depicts where to get their happiness, which in this case it comes from a "'significant other.'" Overall well done on your piece.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece and how you emphasized the idea that "no one but ourselves is responsible for our happiness". Awesome job!
ReplyDelete-Kezia Mambo
Your piece puts an emphasis of being fine with ones self which is something important by using the ideas of alone and loneliness . This idea is really important for students which you show perfectly in your piece
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your piece because it took a topic that, when discussed, tends to be more bleak and made it more lighthearted. The chosen topic is definitely something everyone can relate to so I feel it is a good topic to be discussed. My favorite part of the whole piece is definitely the last paragraph, and I am grateful it was worked into your writing. I feel like not enough people take the time to grow as a person before trapping themselves into a relationship because 'everyone else is in one'. I like that it was published on this blog because teenagers need to know, relationships will not fill a void in anyone's life, only they can. -Nikki Cisneros
ReplyDeleteThe concept of this piece is really interesting and I found myself nodding my head as I read. I completely agree with this concept! Recently, there seems a pressure to want to be in a relationship (especially during this season haha). On social media, people demonstrate that being in a relationship is necessary for happiness. This piece is empowering in that it encourages that this new unspoken "truth" is false. Your own experience is proof of that, and I'm glad that you've learned from past mistakes and are thriving solo. You do you! Great job :)
ReplyDeleteThe writing was very well-developed in support of a topic that is naturally hard to find the rights words to describe it. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI like how you made the distinction two words that are linked by their dictionary definitions, yet have different connotations. Your message of independence and self-love is a great reminder to those that are feeling lonely. Maybe independence is the positive feeling from being alone?
ReplyDelete-Jacob Azurin
It's pretty needless to say that there are a lot of people who live with the misconception that being single means several negative things, the biggest ones being the incapability of being loved and to love. However, this piece helped to dispel that! As you said, being alone doesn't necessarily mean that you are a lonely person, just someone who is capable of and content with being the source of their own happiness. I hope the people who haven't learned to be happy with themselves have read this and realized the beauty in solitude.
ReplyDeleteThis has been an idea I have been thinking about personally for a while now, and I think you have done an amazing job covering it. Its true that loneliness and alone are two different ideas and society has mushed them together.- Kyra Perry
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you made sure to differentiate between these two words, as they are often seen with the same meaning. This is also a relevant topic which can be seen in our generation.
ReplyDeleteYour piece is very fascinating in that you explore what lies beyond the choice of being alone and that, sometimes, it can be the feeling of being content with yourself. Your idea of "alone" vs. "lonely" is actually what I've been emphasizing since the beginning of my high school career. I love that someone finally brought this concept to the table, especially when you point out that people feel lonely when they lack a significant other. Fantastic job! - Melanie Viernes
ReplyDeleteim glad this is finally a topic having some light shed on it, its really important for people to understand this! I really liked this piece though. - Chase W.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant use of dictionary definitions and research to prove a point. I enjoyed reading this piece as it not only pronounces the differences between the two words in question, but it also guides the reader into a positive and comfortable view on being "alone." Very relatable as it provides facts as well as personal experiences from the author. What a great example of using logos, pathos, and ethos all in one piece!
ReplyDeleteThis piece was very interesting and thought provoking to read. Society has stigmatized being alone, and they believe that wanting to be alone means that you are antisocial, an outcast. Its interesting to read how you differentiated between "alone" and "lonely," and how one is a problem, and the other is natural to some. Overall, I enjoyed how it helps to bring awareness to this modern day problem.
ReplyDelete--Gilberto Diaz
Your piece was amazing as you were able to tackle a topic many people sometimes have misconceptions of them being the same.I also like how you related this topic to happiness and how you can relate happiness to being alone as well. -Rafael
ReplyDeleteI found this piece to be beneficial because it can be a common misconception and personally i like to be alone at times because it helps me focus.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this thought out piece... it gave me a sense of veracity that people in our society tackle on when such a word that us as people see as a negative thing could turn out in a positive happy way. LOVE THE PIECE !!! -Alexander Pereyra
ReplyDeleteThis really made me realize that at times when I may feel this way, to isolate myself from others, they also might feel alone at times aswell and isolate themselves form others too. I could think back on people I’ve seen and how they had a bad day and maybe felt lonely right then and there and how I could’ve just asked how they were doing, because I know if I was feeling like that and someone checked up on me, my mood would’ve chanced just like that. Very eye opening and an amazing piece. - Khristian Castillejo
ReplyDeleteWhat I found extremely fascinating was that the "lonely epidemic" is hazardous to a person's health, as a teenager, it is astonishing to know that what seems to be "normal" in the average teenage life, is actually something that could be physically harmful.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who likes to have "alone time," I see people around me force themselves into relationships because they think it will make them happy.The ending of your piece is something I find myself wanting to slap in some people in the face with. I admire the process you expressed of your own trial and error.
ReplyDelete-Chloe Bohrer
Your piece was extremely personal and takes an enlightened misconception of societies misconception of loneliness and and being alone. The piece made me and I hope others feel connected with themselves by truly understanding their emotions.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is intriguing because most people do not know the difference between being lonely and alone and you made the difference very clear. You made it very clear that it is okay to be alone. -Ellie Congalton
ReplyDeleteThis writing was very reflecting not just for me but I know and believe it was reflecting for others. The concept of displaying the differences between "alone" and "loneliness" truly helps define how people are feeling. Also incorporating being alone or feeling lonely can affect mental health, was so important since as time as goes on mental health continues to be a very important topic of discussion for many. Plus what I felt was useful from this piece was the idea of reflecting on how it also impacts the desire people have in wanting a relationship in today's society especially with the use of social media. With many not realizing how much their hearts are already fulfilled. Overall your writing was amazing and very reflecting and allowed an overflowing view of different, and impacting topics.
ReplyDelete- April Dubra
I was very intrigued and liked the way you thought out this piece. You put being lonely is a choice which I agree halfway because sometimes it's not your fault as people spread lies and things take place in the moment. There are people in the world who yearn so dearly to be in a relationship and go on a lot of dates but yet there still lonely because it never works out and for others like me I choose to be lonely since I feel like its best not to have a significant other. As others might disagree but e being young and seeing my future ahead, I see it as a distraction towards me. With friends some people are incapable as they try but are perceived as different, which different is good. means your, your own leader and not a follower. I have a lot of friends and choose that path to have friends, rather when i see people sitting a one and try to have a friendly relationship, they want to be left alone, which is understandable on why they like to be left alone. We say we don't like people because as you know people can get irritating, clingy and annoying. You put that the feeling of not receiving the same love is frustrating, which is true because we like to network and connect people. Even if you wanna be alone, deep inside you want a connection with someone because were all human and we need to have relationships with people. Really enjoyed reading it and the feedback that was given. -Trinity
ReplyDeleteThis piece is very interesting, I really liked how you wrote the literal definition of both words and the way you added personal insight and experience to show how we are responsible for our own happiness.
ReplyDeleteThe ideas that you discussed in your piece were very interesting and quite an eye-openner for me. Before reading your writing, I would have assumed that both words could be used in place of one another, but after reading your breakdown of each word, I now know better of when to use each word. Thanks for the interesting read!
ReplyDeleteThere's a strong separation of "alone" and "lonely" in this piece. Two words that are easily mistaken as the same, but are very different as described in your writing. You also kept it informative by providing the dictionary description of each word with examples. It is so important that we learn that being alone is okay we do not always need a companion by our side, whether it be a friend or significant other. However, it's understandable to think being alone is lonely. We always have that desire for someones attention, good or bad. Thank you for explaining such a common concept in our social lives that should be addressed more often. - Saidy Gonzalez
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece. You were able to show that it is okay to be alone to figure yourself out first before you can give your all to someone. Overall your piece was very intriguing. - Danica Aguilar
ReplyDeleteThis is a very important topic to address especially in today's youth and I'm glad you shed some light on it and done in such a beautiful manner. Your argument is well developed and built on with a good use of references. I also appreciate that you made the reader feel accepted no matter their circumstance and they didn't feel lonely. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI agree it is important to take time off to focus on yourself. Oftentimes, people automatically associate being alone as something negative, but I feel the more we understand ourselves, the less we feel lonely because I truly believe there is nothing more peaceful than being on your own sometimes. Great job on this piece, Dominic. -Irina C
ReplyDeleteThis piece captured a lot of what i personally believe about this topic. It was really nice to see a definition to differentiate being lonely and loneliness. It was a serious and emotional topic yet you captured it intellectually.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece because this topic is relatable among us as teenagers. I agree with your statement that today's society can make someone who doesn't have a companion feel lonely. However, we forget the importance of loving ourselves first before we can love others. - Guadalupe Ortega
ReplyDeleteThe topic that you chose automatically lured me in, which really caught my eye because the similarities and differences you compared show problems in the society that people deal with everyday including the readers and yourself. It's good that you mentioned evidence to back up your statement and used examples of typical loneliness or being alone to easily grasp the overall idea you are trying to get through.
ReplyDeleteThis piece was actually quite helpful and enjoyable to me. I truly appreciate the effort you put into researching the effects of loneliness and being alone, in order to prove your point that the two are quite different. I cannot think of a better place for this piece to be published, since this is a blog with a fair amount of teenagers reading and mental health among teens is very poor. This piece has the capability of changing someones outlook on their current situation solely based on the in depth explanation you gave about each subject. Lastly, I'd like to say that you really are not alone because there are tons of other people out there in the same situation as you, myself included. -Andrea Sordo
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the way you distinguished between "alone" and "loneliness" as you progress throughout this work and share your own experience with these two state of minds. This piece opened my eyes to these two differences and should definetly be shared with teenagers since this is most prominent during these years. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite thing about your piece was when you explained the difference between being alone and being lonely. These two words are often seen as the same but I think you did a great job of showing the difference. I also like your piece because I was able to relate to it from my own past experiences. I really enjoyed reading your piece and it was written well. - Monica Morales
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this piece very much due to the information I learned. After reading this piece I learned there is a very large difference between being alone and lonely. This is important because I have confused the two before and gotten the wrong interpretation of them. -Moises Reyes
ReplyDeleteThe definitions helped separate the two ideas for the readers and I have said that I felt alone, so it was relatable. It helped bring a new perspective and clarify some things for me. Thank you for writing this :) ~Marisa Johnson
ReplyDeleteYour concept was incredibly engaging and relatable as I have felt the same exact way on numerous accounts. I enjoyed learning about the differences of being alone and loneliness as they both uphold different meanings. It allowed myself as the reader to take a look into my own life and apply the concepts you described creating a form of my own self confidence. Being alone should not be viewed in a negative way and I completely agree on your stance in this work! Great job!
ReplyDeleteAlthough the terms 'alone' and lonely' have always been a similarity in each other, you conveying the differences with engaging imagery makes not only the reader rethink their ' definition' of both terms, but will further take the knowledge into how they view their individual state.
ReplyDelete