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... 