"Blue Hour Solitude" Loneliness is a major problem for many people, especially men. For some reason, I never feel lonely. I love being alone. But for me, it always is experienced as solitude (which, as you know, is quite different from loneliness). I have more than enough opportunity to connect with other people. Plus, being an introvert, I don't do well with crowds (although one to one and small groups is wonderful). All of this is not to mention that everything in the natural world is experienced as an intimate friend. A major caveat:If Ellie were to precede me in death, I am certain that loneliness would become an issue.

Regarding the beach and ocean, they are always restorative whether I am alone or there are a few people.