3 ms·

As far as I understand - according to the article, loneliness in itself is not a bad thing for the health but what it brings with itself - the possibility of de

by roansh 10y ago

As far as I understand - according to the article, loneliness in itself is not a bad thing for the health but what it brings with itself - the possibility of depression, possible risk of suicide, inactivity hence possibility of obesity and diabetes. I wonder how it affects the people who genuinely prefer being alone, and like it!

mercer 10y ago
I think loneliness by definition includes the negative effects. What you're talking about is 'solitude'. >I wonder how it affects the people who genuinely prefer being alone, and like it! I'm one of those people who loves being alone, and I often ask myself the same question. From my experience so far, the risks you mention are lower overall, but they're still there. I t is often interaction with others that prompts me to be more physically active, eat healthier, etc, in the same way I suppose that it's generally easier to commit to doing or not doing something if you're responsible to someone else. I find that as much as I love being alone, my thinking and behavior slowly 'deteriorates' and sometimes it can actively make me unhappy. I do think this can be alleviated to a large degree by being disciplined, but then that in itself is often easier with others 'watching you'. It's fascinating and I'm now wondering how much research has been done into solitude, rather than loneliness specifically...
- kome 10y ago
  What if "solitude" is just a social and personal acceptable way to talk about "loneliness"? I was thinking about those people who call themselves "expats" and not "immigrants". In other way: the rich is "solo", the poor is "lonely".
  - sseagull 10y ago
    I'd say it's a difference in desire, although I'm sure there's some amount of denial out there ("I'm not lonely, I'm just solitary") If you want human interaction but don't get it, that's loneliness. If you truly don't want it to begin with, that's solitude. If you don't want human interaction but get it anyway, that's hell (to an introvert, anyway).
    - mercer 10y ago
      I agree, although 'choice' does play a small role, at least in my experience. I've noticed that when the option of social connection is not available to me, I am more likely to feel lonely (with all else being equal).

by roansh 10y ago

mercer 10y ago

I think loneliness by definition includes the negative effects. What you're talking about is 'solitude'. >I wonder how it affects the people who genuinely prefer being alone, and like it! I'm one of those people who loves being alone, and I often ask myself the same question. From my experience so far, the risks you mention are lower overall, but they're still there. I t is often interaction with others that prompts me to be more physically active, eat healthier, etc, in the same way I suppose that it's generally easier to commit to doing or not doing something if you're responsible to someone else. I find that as much as I love being alone, my thinking and behavior slowly 'deteriorates' and sometimes it can actively make me unhappy. I do think this can be alleviated to a large degree by being disciplined, but then that in itself is often easier with others 'watching you'. It's fascinating and I'm now wondering how much research has been done into solitude, rather than loneliness specifically...

kome 10y ago
What if "solitude" is just a social and personal acceptable way to talk about "loneliness"? I was thinking about those people who call themselves "expats" and not "immigrants". In other way: the rich is "solo", the poor is "lonely".
- sseagull 10y ago
  I'd say it's a difference in desire, although I'm sure there's some amount of denial out there ("I'm not lonely, I'm just solitary") If you want human interaction but don't get it, that's loneliness. If you truly don't want it to begin with, that's solitude. If you don't want human interaction but get it anyway, that's hell (to an introvert, anyway).
  - mercer 10y ago
    I agree, although 'choice' does play a small role, at least in my experience. I've noticed that when the option of social connection is not available to me, I am more likely to feel lonely (with all else being equal).