There's a difference between being alone and being lonely.

Are you lonely or are you just scared of being alone? Studies have shown the fear of being alone keeps people in bad relationships. The fear of being single pushes a person to try and “make it work” or settle for a less than desirable partner, hoping that one day they will find something that will make it all worthwhile.

Loneliness has been defined as a state of being alone or solitude, but I think it is more a state of mind. Loneliness can leave a person feeling unwanted and empty. Lonely people have a tendency to crave human contact and this state of mind makes it difficult for people to form a connection with others. Loneliness, according to many experts, is not necessarily about being alone. Instead, it is the perception of being alone and isolated that matters most.

When people are lonely they feel that there is a void that needs filling, therefore they will look for a person to fill this void in your heart. They are wanting something that may have previously existed but may no longer exist anymore. When they want and hope for company when they are unhappy or when they are by themselves. This is a negative feeling which people should try to be eradicated.

Being alone is a positive state of mind, and this is a good place to be. This is a place where you happy are with yourself and in yourself without the need to have a companion to validate your self-worth. Being alone means that you are willing to spend more time with yourself and have times of self-reflection, therefore, will be more willing to improve those undesirable traits that you find in yourself.

Lonely people have been known to compromise. When dating, people who are lonely and have a fear of growing old alone, have lowered their standards or date people they found to be less than desirable to validate their existence. These people will value relationship status rather than relationship quality. This aspect that they have is very detrimental and may cause people to stay in a bad relationship.

Being alone and lonely are two different things and once people distinguish the difference, the more satisfying and worthwhile their relationship will be.

 Its better to be single and alone than in a relationship and lonely.