Loneliness: Life’s Greatest Tragedy
The greatest pain in life is loneliness and living a daily life isolated from those around you.
My whole life, especially when I was younger, I would naturally put myself in other people’s shoes. I think we can all say that no matter what school we went to, there was always that classmate that sat by himself at lunch and didn’t reach out to others. I imagined how I would feel if I was in their situation and what I would do about it. The one thing that always effected me was watching a person suffer from loneliness. I always had a soft spot for the loner. I always had friends and felt that I was in good company. I had people looking out for me and I was looking out for them as well. The other kids would always speculate about how weird the loner was or act like he was an alien. I found myself being the kid that would reach out and one day sit next to him at lunch. I always tried to picture how I would feel being left out of everything and feeling out of place. Out of all the feelings I have ever felt, this is the worst one I could ever imagine. It is greater than any physical pain and mind you I have had teeth knocked out, I have scars on my thighs from being spiked by sports cleats, and the list goes on. I’ve been humiliated, embarrassed, yelled at, told I was no good, and many other emotional harassments but the worst feeling I have ever experienced was loneliness. Life on this planet is hard but you can move on with the help of those around you who care about you. Having no one is a scary thought.
Being alone in a place where all others seem to be getting along is scary. The loner kid who all the other kids would make fun of or ignore and step on, nine out of ten times was very nice and normal but lacked key social skills. Over my 12 years in the NYC public education system I’ve come to meet around 8 or 10 kids that would sit alone everyday in the same place at lunch. They would have the same look on their face and it was always disheartening that society would just pass on by and not pick up their fellow man. I was one of few who felt that it was my duty to see this kid smile at least one time.
Getting to know the loner kid opened my eyes to how fortunate and lucky I am to have the people I know around me; it makes me embrace them much more. The person in life who seems to always be alone seems content on the outside with what he has, which I respect. But No matter who you are everyone needs at least one friend. There is nothing worse in life then loneliness. The world is a community, being left out runs a pain up my spine.
Donating a few minutes of your busy life can make all the difference to an individual. Making him feel like he’s worth someone’s time can really be uplifting for him and you. These kids are a sign of inspiration, for embracing those around you as well as reaching out to all those in need.
From my experience the loner is just a nice person lost in the crowd. A quiet kid who hasn’t found himself yet or isn’t as confident as the rest. They are usually very nice and interesting. One example is a kid I befriended in high school. He is an incredible artist; I was the only one who knew this about him. Many of these kids, who we call loners, I have come across have been very nice and they all had a special talent or gift, they are just on the quiet side.
I recommend next time you come across an associate or classmate who seems to be lonesome, reach out instead of gossiping about how weird they are. It will make their day and make your heart and soul stronger. I feel no matter how busy you are in life there is always time for others, if you can’t make time for those around you, one day you will experience deep lonesome.
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26 Comments
Tennessee Thompson, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
Nicely written. I have found the same things by any lonely person I have befriended. Most of them seem to lack social skills, because they are so interested in their talents. Good job.
JK Kristie, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
Wonderful, positive thoughts. Excellent post.
papaleng, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
what an excellent piece so inspiring one can see the author\’s heart penned in it.. Thanks for sharing.
Little Miss Lizzy, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
Interesting article with food for thought. I have been a teacher and this used to concern me in schools too.
Morgana, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
I agree, interesting article.I have had many friends whom can be considered loners. These people are usually talented and nice….not all, but most I have met are.
AC Hamilton III, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
Yes, absolutely the truth..You have a written a very moving peace worth reading…rich with kindness..
AC
Betty Carew, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
very well done Duke and so true.
Suppee XX, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
Many people are loners- they excel in 1 to 1 communication. At times It must be hard being one of those people, Aworthwhile atricle to read,even if its Just to remind us of where others around us are positioned.
katien, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
Lovely article. I agree with what you have said, but you do have to tread carefully.
Likha, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
I see a good heart in you. May your tribe increase!
macon, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
i can relate to this… i used to be a loner.. i find comfort in being alone..
S A JOHNSON, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
I think that some loners like to be alone and those who don’t usually have a reason. Such as people picking on them and I don’t think that go around trying to be picked on or seem weird but it happens.
I don’t think that loners of any type are wounded creatures that need to be pitied but it does help to have people really try to be friend them.
As a whole, this was a great article on being accepting and reaching out to new people.
Brian Daniel Stankich, posted this comment on Jan 25th, 2009
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Brian Daniel Stankich, posted this comment on Jan 25th, 2009
Hey, Duke, I was having trouble posting! Anyhow, you hit on two key points: reaching out to others and your sense of community. These are two key skills and perspectives you have at a young age that will serve you well. Way to go and keep it up! Brian
Lisa Clayton Williams, posted this comment on Jan 25th, 2009
Well said!!
Lee Altman, posted this comment on Jan 25th, 2009
Great work
CA Johnson, posted this comment on Jan 25th, 2009
Great article. I have also known loners who are turned out to be nice people.
Beverley Mosley, posted this comment on Jan 26th, 2009
You are right. Loneliness is the greatest pain. I use to be alone all the time but eventually I made friends wherever I went. No one deserves to be alone, there is always someone who cares about you.
Cara Boynton, posted this comment on Jan 26th, 2009
great article… touching too. keep up the good work!
nutuba, posted this comment on Jan 28th, 2009
Excellent article, Duke. It’s well written, informative, interesting, and it pulls at the heart. You’re right — loneliness is terrible. This is a nice reminder to all of us as we draw near to Valentine’s Day … there are people out there who won’t get cards, or to whom no one will say, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Make an effort to reach out every day, but especially don’t neglect to do it around Valentine’s.
jewel grant, posted this comment on Feb 2nd, 2009
very inspiring..were alike…i also have a heart for peole who seem to be ‘outcast” in many ways..including their own way to be that kind…i feel so protective about these people..sometimes i also am a loner..so i know exactly how it feels..sometimes..we could appreciate them more by respecting their solitude…great heart!!!ke it up!
S M Blomker, posted this comment on Feb 4th, 2009
That is a beautiful piece of writing…your right that if nothing is done, those that are alone will always be concidered as being strange. I know that kind of feeling very will.
Riley Themend, posted this comment on Feb 5th, 2009
This is was wonderful piece. Very personal, but yet also openminded and understanding to people who feel alone.
dmccusker11, posted this comment on Jun 14th, 2009
i think everyone sees this going through school and i think it’s just a part of growing up, living and learning, some people will never learn and some will never grow up… nice write
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cardy, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2009
written from the heart lovely work.