Being “Alonely” - The Forgotten Upside of Solitude

Loneliness is an epidemic. Even before Covid-19, millions of people around the world were suffering from a lack of human connection. Things have gotten worse over the past year, inspiring countless mental health studies and at least one government to appoint a minister of loneliness. It turns out this time of forced isolation may also be having the far less studied effect of depriving people of much needed alone time as well.

“While many people are lonely ... [they] may alternatively (or simultaneously) be suffering from something called ‘aloneliness,’” defined as the inability to spend enough time alone.

Having alone time has long been correlated with creativity and inspiration by authors and poets. Now there's a word for the feeling ... being “alonely.” While it seems odd to crave solitude at a time when so many people are coping with crippling loneliness, this story is really about the importance of balance. Loneliness isn't a good feeling. Aloneliness isn't either.