The difference between solitude and isolation

[Ronni]

Solitude brings me peace and quiets my mind.

Isolation makes me feel lonely.

They can look the same to others, but they each feel very different. I've experienced both. Whereas I need solitude from time to time, to just rest and take a break from my busy life, I've had periods of isolation in my life that brought nothing but pain. It's even worse to feel isolated and lonely when actually living with someone else, as was the case with my ex-husband. That was a bad time.

How about you?

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

I love solitude. I have have to have my space and a lot of it. I'm not sure if this is isolation but I got a taste of it in grammar school. The Germans in my community were definitely a minority group and very rarely was I invited to parties and the homes of the "in" group. A terrible feeling,I remember it like it was yesterday.

 

[Mike]

I think that they both mean the same, except that
"Isolation" is a term mainly used in medical establishments
and prisons.

Mike.

 

[Gary O']

Isolation
Living in a cabin at the edge of civilization can garner that feeling
The once a week trip into town (or once a month in winter) becomes something to look forward to


Until I get to town


Then the yearning for the solitude of the cabin sets back in

Most folks would miss the sounds (noise) of town

To me, now,

it's deafening

 

[jujube]

Solitude is voluntary.
Isolation is usually imposed on a person.

 

[Geezerette]

Very good definition, jujube!

 

[DaveA]

Solitude is voluntary.
Isolation is usually imposed on a person.

Well put, jujube.

 

[ClassicRockr]

Wife and I don't like either, although, when she is at work, I'm by myself at home and look very forward to talking to her at her breaks/lunch. The one thing that brought us together is, we are both "clingy". Our boat goes out, we are both on it. When going to the range, we both go. Shopping, again, both of us. She doesn't like going to bed unless I'm going to bed as well.

 

[Keesha]

I love solitude but it’s definitely MY choice
I’m isolated, to a certain extent , by choice also and like it. If it weren’t by choice, I’m not sure I’d feel the same way. When I go to the city it reminds me why I chose this lifestyle

 

[squatting dog]

Isolation
Living in a cabin at the edge of civilization can garner that feeling
The once a week trip into town (or once a month in winter) becomes something to look forward to


Until I get to town


Then the yearning for the solitude of the cabin sets back in

Most folks would miss the sounds (noise) of town

To me, now,

it's deafening

Spot on. :iagree:

 

[Olivia]

I guess I would need definitions of both words--isolation and solitude--being used in this thread. Isolation seems to be something that a person in some kind of mental hurt does to themselves. Solitude is something that one does for oneself, especially for introverts, to charge up one's energy that people, even with good company, can suck off in one's self.

 

[chic]

Solitude is voluntary.
Isolation is usually imposed on a person.

I agree with you. There are no options to isolation.

 

[Linda]

I require solitude on a regular basis to be happy. Thankfully my husband isn't clingy and I can have my me time. I hate isolation though.

 

[Ronni]

I guess I would need definitions of both words--isolation and solitude--being used in this thread. Isolation seems to be something that a person in some kind of mental hurt does to themselves. Solitude is something that one does for oneself, especially for introverts, to charge up one's energy that people, even with good company, can suck off in one's self.

My personal experience is that my isolation wasn't my choice. My abusive spouse used isolation as a control tactic. It was certainly not something I was doing to myself. That said, I guess there are people who make a conscious choice to isolate themselves, but it seems like you might be right, their isolation may well be just a symptom of a mental or psychological issue they have.

I think solitude isn't just for introverts. You didn't say that, but now I'm musing on that. I think that homo sapiens is wired to be social, to crave the company of a like kind, but too I think that a temporary separation from others no matter how extroverted you might be is a basic need we all have.

 

[squatting dog]

When I first got home from Vietnam, I became an isolationist, not by choice, but because of the inability to cope with people who had no clue as to what went on over there. It was easier to isolate myself rather than deal with the problem. Later on in life (older and hopefully wiser) I guess I chose solitude. I'd much rather sit on my back porch and listen / watch the wildlife. For me, a trip to town is a painful experience.

 

[Gary O']

I guess I chose solitude. I'd much rather sit on my back porch and listen / watch the wildlife. For me, a trip to town is a painful experience.

Ohhhhh, yeaaahh

 

[ClassicRockr]

What is a "loner" called, besides being called "a loner"? My BIL, wife's brother, is really a loner and absolutely loves it. Perhaps that was one reason why he ended up only living with his old girlfriend for a few months, before she basically told him to leave.

 

[Annie Mack]

Ronni, new member here, wanting to chime in and tell you we are like minded. I am an extrovert by nature, and have become an introvert by circumstance. I do not blame myself for unplanned physical injury that now limits my activity, or that I moved to a location that has left me feeling like I was dropped off at the wrong planet. I have never before lived anywhere that expressing my view in conversation would possibly/probably bring on a dislike of me by the listener, thus isolation. Someone mentioned isolation was mostly used for institutional purpose...I disagree. I can't do that where I live now. I am beginning to understand that it's not just babies that die from failure to thrive; I now think of all the elderly people who have no one, therefore no touch or hugs or kuddos. It seems unnatural to me. Now solitude, in whatever degree each human needs, is wonderful. We learn so much when we quiet ourselves. Each person knows how much alone time he or she needs, as well as companionship. I also agree about being alone and lonely and being lonely while in the company of another are two completely different experiences. Like you, I learned about the later in my marriage, so I chose to go it alone.

 

[Lord Elpus]

It's a personal viewpoint. I have visitors who drive out to my little island and ask how on Earth I can live in such an 'isolated' place.
Invariably,I have to explain that I've 'been there,done that' regarding everything from military combat,crowds,bustle,etc,to being in traffic that competes for every foot of road,jams that are miles long-even going into shopping centres and being constantly bumped into by plebs looking at mobile 'phones as they walk into bus-stops,walls,other people.

Nah...my little island is SERENE,not isolated. I can sit at the water's edge playing a guitar as the pooches have fun chasing geese-and not another human for miles.
Then we all return home,treats for each pooch,a large espresso for me,my pipe gets lit...and we all sit on the decking watching the sun slowly set. Peace-NOT 'isolation'.

 

[Marie5656]

I like my "alone time" as it gives me the opportunity to recharge and refresh my inner battery. I am not sure I would like being totally isolated from the world. I am not one who likes crowded places, so I cherish alone time.

 

[Lord Elpus]

ps; it's strange how the same people that tell me I live 'in isolation' are the very same people who say ''Bloody Norah;we could hear you from the mainland-good job you haven't got neighbours!" whenever I happen to have my stack plugged in and a wah-wah pedal on the go.....meh....[ok,plus a delay pedal]