It’s interesting that there’s no antonym for loneliness. There’s a built-in presumption that one is happier/more fulfilled with more and deeper contact with other humans. I often feel lonely (and I find this taxonomy interesting, but I’m not sure how I’ll use it), but I also often feel anti-lonely, and that I’d be more happy if left alone for awhile.
At the deepest levels, we are all alone, always—there’s this air-gap between human individuals that cannot be overcome (or at least between me and everyone else I’ve met; maybe the rest of you have a connection I don’t). “Everyone dies alone” as the saying goes. Distinguishing what kinds of loneliness are just denial of this fact, and what kinds are indications that you actually do want more/deeper communication with someone is very difficult.
It’s interesting that there’s no antonym for loneliness. There’s a built-in presumption that one is happier/more fulfilled with more and deeper contact with other humans. I often feel lonely (and I find this taxonomy interesting, but I’m not sure how I’ll use it), but I also often feel anti-lonely, and that I’d be more happy if left alone for awhile.
At the deepest levels, we are all alone, always—there’s this air-gap between human individuals that cannot be overcome (or at least between me and everyone else I’ve met; maybe the rest of you have a connection I don’t). “Everyone dies alone” as the saying goes. Distinguishing what kinds of loneliness are just denial of this fact, and what kinds are indications that you actually do want more/deeper communication with someone is very difficult.
I love the “air gap” metaphor, that’s exactly what I was getting at.