The Antidote to Inescapable Loneliness

On accepting and overcoming psychological asymmetry through community and vulnerability.

Where are the people?” resumed the little prince at last. “It’s a little lonely in the desert…”

“It is lonely when you’re among people, too,” said the snake.

For the last two years, I have spent New Year’s Eve alone.

There are certain occasions where loneliness is acceptable to society: the first hours of a Sunday morning, Wednesdays after dinner, or a few solitary hours on retreat. Our societal rhythms allow it. Yet, New Year’s Eve? I would turn on the television and see the masses gathered at various cultural epicenters only to return to the silence of my home and then to bed.

To be honest, I actually enjoyed the solitude. However, I convinced myself that I must be missing something. The discerning voices of my cultural imagination reminded me that I am not supposed to be alone during such a time.

Being alone is bearable when expected. Most of the time it is a subtle reminder that something is wrong with us.