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I no longer think being in love is the polar opposite of being alone, however. I say that because I used to want to be in love again as I assumed this was the opposite of lonliness. I think being in love is an opposite of lonliness, but not the opposite. There are other things I now crave when I am lonely, like community, like friendship, like family. I think our society puts too much pressure on romantic love, and that is why so many romances fail. Romance can't possibly carry all that we want it to.

Don Miller#86

LoveFriendshipCommunityLoneliness

About this quote

What does it mean?
Loneliness is not solved by romance alone; community and friendship are also needed.
In plain terms
Being in love is not the opposite of loneliness; friendship and community matter too.
What can you take from it?
Seek community and friendship, not just romance, to cure loneliness.

Where it applies

  • dating
  • social life
  • mental health

Putting it to work

  • build community
  • diversify relationships

Questions to consider

  • Who else is in my life besides a partner?
  • Am I relying too much on romance?

Another view

Romance still plays a vital role in many lives.

More from Don Miller

  1. 'I mean that to be in a relationship with God is to be loved purely and furiously. And a person who thinks himself unlovable cannot be in a relationship with G…

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  2. Tony the Beat Poet says the words alone, lonely and lonliness are three of the most powerful words in the English language. I agree with Tony. Those words say …

    Permalink to quote #87
  3. 'You know, Don, marriage is worth the trade. You lose all your freedom but you get this friend. This incredible friend.'

    Permalink to quote #84

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