Loneliness or Solitude? Knowing the Difference 🌿

We’ve all heard the saying “alone but not lonely” — but what does that really mean?

For me, it comes down to this: loneliness is an ache, solitude is a choice.

🌼 Loneliness

Loneliness shows up when we crave connection but can’t seem to find it. It’s the silence that feels heavy, the empty chair at the table, the sense that we’re missing something or someone.

🌿 Solitude

Solitude, on the other hand, can feel like a gift. It’s the quiet moment with a cup of tea, the laughter of dogs filling the room, the peacefulness of a Saturday morning when no one needs anything from you. It’s not about absence — it’s about presence with yourself.

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My Takeaway

I work from home, and while I don’t see a lot of people in person, I don’t feel lonely. My conversations with coworkers, my little weekend outings, my volunteer work, and yes — my time with my dogs — fill my life in meaningful ways.

When I sit with myself, it doesn’t feel empty. It feels intentional. It feels like solitude.

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✨ Reminder

“I choose solitude, not loneliness — my life is full in the ways that matter.”

Maybe that’s the heart of it: knowing the difference helps us stop fearing being alone and start embracing the quiet as a space where life is still rich.

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