There are many types of personalities in the world. But many of us can be characterized by either an extrovert or an introvert. Extroverts are ones that you can find easily since many of them stand out in a crowd. They love to socialize and be around people. More outgoing and engaging with others, makes them a focal point of the group. But introverts are more of the opposite. The desire to be alone and have a quieter approach to gatherings. No matter who you are or what you like to do, loneliness impacts everyone. For some the need to be alone is required, while others tend to find themselves feeling alone too often. You don’t have to be alone to feel alone. (Find Joy in Being Alone)
Introverts alone
I relate more to an introvert. I enjoy my alone time. At work, having a project that I can engross my mind into while wrapped up in my music, is relaxing. But I am also human. I enjoy my conversations with my coworkers, my friends, and anyone that offers their attention to me. Being alone gives me peace of mind where I can pull away from everything going on around me. For me it is not the solitude that brings the feeling of loneliness. It is the lack of attention. Because I can be in a packed room of people and still feel alone. And it is only amplified with my anxiety of conversing with people in general. How bad can it get for me? I can feel alone while hanging out with my friends…if the group is big enough.
Lonely extroverts
Extroverted people may be more outgoing, but how many of them are holding onto insecurities and worries? Extroverts are people that like to try new things, interact with the crowd, and want to be a part of the group. You are probably asking; how could they feel lonely if they are so energetic? Simple, because groups tend to stick to groups. Extroverts stick to other extroverts (with the occasional introvert added) and vice versa. Ever had the same food for days or weeks, gets a little tiring, doesn’t it? Humans need diversity. If you are surrounded by people just like you, it can get a little lonely.
Overwhelming feeling
Loneliness can become overwhelming and all encompassing. The feeling of missing something out of your life and not having a full understanding of how or why? Here I am with a loving family, friends that care about me, special people in my life that mean so much to me, and even a few people that are cheering me on as I go through my journey. But there are many times I sit here feeling a sense of loneliness. Like I still have this void in my life that I don’t know how to fill. An element in my story that is just not there. And the hard part, I don’t have the first clue on how to fix this feeling.
Missing something
I enjoy being alone and often I wish I had more time to be alone. So why do I have this wave of loneliness that makes me feel sad and depressed? There is no easy way to fix a sense of loneliness like this. Because it may not be just one thing or person that is needed to make me comfortable. It may not be anyone at all, but what I really need is to find myself. Could it be that this loneliness is because I am missing the relationship with myself?
The next time you see your friends laughing it up with others or the person all alone on the bench eating lunch, take a closer look. These people may be going through their own loneliness. And if you are also struggling with this, you are not truly alone. You are beautiful, strong, and wonderful.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
