Loneliness v Isolation

I have discovered that Loneliness and Isolation are not the same thing, but that one can lead to the other.  As a single woman who lives on her own, I have found that when my son goes to visit family, it can become quite lonely here.  As an introvert, I will admit to enjoying time alone and dreading time spent in large groups.  Sometimes, however, this much time alone can be a negative thing.  I have books, and read constantly, in fact, I have read 7 today and it is only ten till 4 in the afternoon.  While books make an amazing escape from reality, it is only that, an escape.  Once finished reading, I find myself alone once again and realize that, as a whole, we were made for companionship, we were made to crave other people's presence.  Our society, however, has made it seem like a weakness to "need" anything from anyone.  Therefore, I will continue to sit alone because I don't want to seem pathetic by asking for time with anyone.  Again, thank goodness for books!

What an amazing world one can find in books.  I can go to Klickitat Street where children and dogs abound and the atmosphere is that of the 1950's.  I can go to the Middle Ages, where there is mystery and intrigue around every corner.  I can go to a world filled with dragons and gnomes and kender and dwarves and elves and magic.  A world where good dragons and bad dragons can rule the world at the behest of humans and other races.  Where the races all work together to keep the world at peace.  Or how about a world where toys come alive and look for a toymaker who can continue making toys come alive.  Or what about the world where one finds oneself inside the pages of a book.

Whenever I feel isolated or lonely, I can always open a book and find a world of characters who would love to spend time with me, and I don't even have to ask.

I will point out, though, that to pull away from people you love or things you would ordinarily do actually isolates you, as opposed to 'not being a burden'.

Books, books, books, a world one can always count on to be there...