So, what even is loneliness? That might sound like a strange question, but it’s not as simple as it seems. A lot of people think loneliness just means being alone. Like, you’re physically by yourself, so obviously you’re lonely. But that’s not always true.
You can be in a crowded room—or even in a relationship—and still feel completely disconnected. That’s the weird thing about loneliness. It’s not really about who’s around you, it’s about how you feel in the middle of it all. Do you feel heard? Seen? Like you matter to someone? If not, that ache creeps in.
And honestly, most of us have felt it at some point, even if we don’t talk about it. Sometimes it hits after a breakup or a move, or when everyone seems busy with their own lives and you’re just… there. Other times, it sneaks in quietly, even when nothing dramatic has happened.
What’s frustrating is that people often assume loneliness means you’ve done something wrong. Like you didn’t make enough effort or you’re too shy or awkward. But that’s not fair. Loneliness is just a part of being human. It’s a signal—kind of like hunger—that something important is missing.
So yeah, maybe the better question isn’t “what is loneliness?” but “what’s it trying to tell me?”
