Being Alone

Over the last few days, a lot of thoughts and a whole spectrum of discussion has been over the aspect of loneliness. I have had friends tell me that they would be so happy if all they had was someone to sit with them and just watch movies at home. I know colleagues who drown in alcohol just to escape the reality that they are lonely. On the other hand, I know people who actually drive away kids from their door during Halloween because they do not want to be disturbed.

Deep down inside, people are lonely. Man has been a social creature since evolution and needs people around him to make him feel confident, secure and independent. When one does not get the external stimulus, it tends to affect his psyche and he withdraws into his shell. It is perfectly a balance that nature intends because as much as we are social, we need a little time by ourselves to revitalize and rejuvenate.

Its all in the mind. One can choose not to be lonely if they want to. It could be a manifestation of their lack of social skills and they tend to look at it this way. Its a choice of life for a lot of people, but that does not make them any lesser mortals. This conundrum is open to interpretation in a ton of ways and naturally, it has been beaten and trod upon and in general, done to death. My only take on this is that at some point, one would know how much the presence ( or the lack of ) people in their lives affect their wellbeing and psyche. Once that realization falls in place, its in their hands to make things work their way. Being lonely isn't some sort of a debilitating disease or a mental disorder. Its just a choice, a conscious choice for some and a temporary subconscious choice for the rest.

Disclaimer: Lines above are mere observations and are not intended to impose views..:)