“Loneliness is the state of distress or discomfort that results when one perceives a gap between one’s desires for social connection and actual experiences of us” (“Loneliness,” Psychology Today, accessed February 25, 2024, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/loneliness). Loneliness can be experienced even when you’re surrounded by people. Being alone and being lonely are not the same thing.