A person’s ability to understand their emotions contribute to their general wellness. For example, anxiety or depression leads to an increase in blood pressure. Thus, aside from taking care of one’s body, it is also vital to manage one’s emotions well.
Handling one’s emotions means understanding them. Most people are terrified to admit being lonely. For them, feeling lonely is unacceptable. There are many misconceptions about this emotion. Bringing to light such myths will help people to keep their emotions in check. Here are some false impressions about loneliness.
Myth # 1: Loneliness Is Caused by Being Alone
Most people believe that being alone is a major cause of loneliness. In truth, being around people does not guarantee happiness. Being happy comes from having positive relationships with yourself and with others. Thus, it is possible to be happy even when you are alone. Some even prefer an alone time for a time to refocus.
Having solitude can also give rest. This principle is what homeowners adhere to when they add seclusions such as fences. Trusted companies such as Trex Fencing SRF understand that privacy is not overrated. Fencing solutions are not to isolate oneself but to set a healthy boundary. People need to have an opportunity to find time in solitude. Without prying eyes and nosy ears, people can relax.
People must learn to draw the difference between loneliness and being alone. Loneliness only comes as a result of being alone when the isolation is involuntary. When people choose to withdraw from the crowd for a short time, they develop mental strength and find joy.
Myth #2: Loneliness Is Bad
The world glamorizes happiness and puts a stigma on loneliness. This is the reason why most depressed people sink further into their condition. They think that what they feel is not acceptable and something to be shameful of. The animated film “Inside Out” debunked this myth. It showed that sadness is part of a complete human experience.
Loneliness can also work to a person’s advantage if they know how to manage it. When someone first feels the pangs of loneliness, it can be a trigger to nurture their creative side. Also, loneliness can help a person practice gratitude.
Myth # 3: Extroverts Are Less Likely to Feel Lonely
Extroverts are the life of a crowd. Introverts tend to have a world of their own. With these definitions, it is easy to assume that introverts are more prone to loneliness. This notion is wrong.
Some extroverts feel lonely even amid a big group. This is because they need a certain kind of energy to be happy. Some crowds are unable to meet this level of energy. Thus, an extrovert may feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed, which leads to loneliness. Introverts can have a few people with them. Yet, they can feel a deep sense of connection and satisfaction with this inner circle.
Loneliness is not exclusive to a certain group of people. Every person has their season when they feel lonely.
Myth # 4: Marriage Cures Loneliness
So many people fall into this misconception. Some even use marriage as a scapegoat for their miserable single life. Most people do not understand that emotions are not dependent on external factors. Emotions are inner states of being.
Marriage is not a guarantee of happiness. Some people even suffer more when they get married than when they are single. Different kinds of marital abuse can take place, which may lead to depression. The only assurance that a person achieves happiness is if both are stable upon marriage. They come into the union thinking of what they can contribute to the other person rather than what they can get. Any other intention besides this may spell disaster, dissatisfaction, and loneliness.
Myth # 5: Older People Are the Loneliest Group of People
Other people perceive the elderly as very lonely people. They attach so many factors to this belief. Illnesses, isolation, or death among peers are some reasons why elders feel sadness. All these conditions could affect the inner state of being of an old person.
But, there is also the idea of aging gracefully. It comes down to how the elderly see this season of their life. Some see it as a time to relax and a time to be free to do what they want. Some enjoy the wisdom they gained through all their experiences. Older people also have the liberty to care less about other’s opinions. When one has lived a full life, loneliness has little space, even at a ripe age.
Having high emotional intelligence makes you see that you should not avoid loneliness. This is a natural season in a human’s life. Embracing it as it comes and goes will contribute to your mental health and wellness.
