paradox.
The sky is one whole, the water another; and between those two infinities the soul of man is in loneliness.Henryk Sienkiewicz
Loneliness is an interesting paradox that doesn’t always look like we imagine it would look when observing it from the outside.
It’s an all too common experience that isn’t alleviated by merely living with someone. Findings by neuroscientist John T Cacioppo in Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection indicate that long term loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking and obesity. Some of the side effects? Impairment of thinking, willpower, and perseverance which only serve to reinforce the feelings of rejection and isolation.
Not to be confused with solitude, something that I personally value as a time for reflection and recharging, loneliness can often feel worse when it occurs with-in a relationship.
The complexity of this subject begs for more exploration but until then, if you’re feeling lonely, please reach out to someone and let them know.
it's (almost always) about the water... 
Beautiful imagery, Sheryl. This very evening my daughter told me a pen-pal had reached out to her about feeling lonely, and how unusual it is for someone to do so, and how touching and intimate it is, and how appreciated the honesty is…
Thanks for sharing this, I think it’s important to listen when someone reaches out. I don’t think it’s an easy thing to do.