@opusreality: Humans are deeply drawn to connection. Although connection is important, don't let temporary company become a permanent compromise. Here's the thing about loneliness: it's not just an "empty space." When you're lonely, you learn the difference between someone who adds to your life and someone who fills it up. If you ask me, those two things are totally different! Sometimes loneliness creates the space for something genuine to emerge. The feeling of loneliness isn't always a problem to solve; it can be an opportunity for you to grow and take some time to actually sit with yourself, which not many people do. When you don't learn to choose yourself before waiting for someone to choose you, you're only relying on others to fill your void. It's got to start with you.