Cynthia Sax

Articles by Cynthia Sax

Being Alone Vs Being Lonely

June 23, 2026

I’m an extreme introvert. I prefer to stay in, rather than go out.

Almost everywhere is too peoply for me.

(grins)

I get a lot of pressure from extroverts (other than my Dear Wonderful Hubby who now understands and accepts me) and…well…society to go out, be with people, be social.

(grimaces)

They associate being alone with being lonely.

Which makes me a bit sad for them.

Because those two things are not the same. At all.

I’m usually not lonely when I’m alone. I know there are other people out there in the world. I know I can associate with them if I want. That’s as easy as standing in my front yard for a couple minutes.

I LOVE being alone. And it is a choice I make. Often.

I spend the time happily reading or mucking around in the garden or watching the Colin Firth Pride And Prejudice for the gazillionth time.

(smiles)

It is glorious.

If you feel lonely, yes, take action. Go to the library and talk with people. Pick up a phone and call a friend. Volunteer at a food bank. Chat with the cashier at the grocery store.

If you are alone and you are enjoying being alone, know that it is okay.

No, it is more than okay. It is a wonderful life experience. Relish it. Savor it.

Ignore the extroverts and be happy.

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