Why is loneliness so prevalent in our world?
Photo by Sarah Hannigan
As a coach, I hear about loneliness a lot. As human beings we long to be known and to know others, for in doing so we come to know ourselves. This is what intimacy makes the space for in our lives. We are made for it. I would argue, in fact, that intimacy is a fundamental human need.
In our technological world, connection is seemingly unfettered and easy. Why then do we feel so lonely? There is obviously a distinction between connection and intimacy that is worth paying attention to. Which aspects of your life create a sense of intimacy and which ones leave you feeling more lonely? In asking ourselves these questions we need to keep in mind that loneliness is different than solitude which is an important part of true intimacy. Without a doubt, intimacy takes more investment than connection, but the payoff seems not only worth it, but essential to experiencing the fullness of our humanity.
