Thanks, Nick. That is so true. It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes: "Loneliness is never more cruel than when it is felt in close propinquity with someone who has ceased to communicate," Germaine Greer, in The Female Eunuch (1970)
Thanks, David. Yes, that is a powerful song (and, after "Angel From Montgomery," my favorite of his creations). The song also inspired Prine's "Hello in There" Foundation, which I would encourage all subscribers to support: https://www.thehellointherefoundation.org
Well, loneliness to one side whilst I can, I followed you down the rabbit hole of “Best Opening Lines” to 2020. Excellent and some authors I have never met - lots to read! Thanks, Mardy.
Thanks for the kind words, John. I put a lot of time into those posts, so it is heartwarming to know that they are still occasionally being read and enjoyed.
“and when nobody wakes you up in the morning, and when nobody waits for you at night, and when you can do whatever you want. what do you call it, freedom or loneliness?”
It is a strange sort of loneliness when one's partner is in dementia. You're alone so far as being able to talk with him/her with any depth, and yet the person is always with you and needs your attention and care. Maybe this is why I talk so easily and so much to strangers. Thankfully, they seem to welcome my meanderings and cordially join in the conversations.
Thanks for the extremely helpful reminder, Pat. I hadn't even considered that scenario in my post, but, thanks to you, I will never again think about loneliness without factoring it in.
Another great newsletter this week. Thank you. The Cartoon at the end is powerful. I post quotes daily on my Facebook Profile. Today I posted this one,
“In the end there doesn’t have to be anyone who understands you. There just has to be someone who wants to.” Robert Brault
It was a good blend with the theme (Loneliness) of your newsletter this week, Dr. Mardy.
Thanks for your kind words, Roger, it's always nice to hear from you. I love that Brault quote, but have had trouble finding an original source for it. Perhaps you or some other subscribers can help. It does fit nicely into this week's theme, though, doesn't it?
Real loneliness consists not in being alone, but in being with the wrong person, in the suffocating darkness of a room in which no deep communication is possible.
Sydney J. Harris in his book Strictly Personal, page 219 (1953)
Sorry, Louis, I inadvertently removed your comment, and now I can't bring it back. Could you please try again.
On can be more lonely living with someone with whom there is little intimacy than living alone.
Thanks, Nick. That is so true. It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes: "Loneliness is never more cruel than when it is felt in close propinquity with someone who has ceased to communicate," Germaine Greer, in The Female Eunuch (1970)
John Prine’s song “Hello in There” is a call to action for loneliness.
Thanks, David. Yes, that is a powerful song (and, after "Angel From Montgomery," my favorite of his creations). The song also inspired Prine's "Hello in There" Foundation, which I would encourage all subscribers to support: https://www.thehellointherefoundation.org
Well, loneliness to one side whilst I can, I followed you down the rabbit hole of “Best Opening Lines” to 2020. Excellent and some authors I have never met - lots to read! Thanks, Mardy.
Thanks for the kind words, John. I put a lot of time into those posts, so it is heartwarming to know that they are still occasionally being read and enjoyed.
In some ways everything one does in a day is a hedge against the loneliness of knowing no one can fill one's emptiness
Very well said, my friend. Very well said, indeed!
Our local published an editorial on the subject of loneliness the same day your newsletter came. Interesting coincidence! https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/opinion/pioneer-perspectives-why-intentional-solitude-might-be-the-ultimate-social-experience
Thanks for sharing the link, John. I enjoyed the article.
“and when nobody wakes you up in the morning, and when nobody waits for you at night, and when you can do whatever you want. what do you call it, freedom or loneliness?”
Powerful! Where does that come from? Details, please.
I believe that this is from the American poet and novelist Charles Bukowski.
Yes, I now see that is is attributed to him in a number of works, but never with a source. If anyone can provide a citation, I'd be grateful.
Some agree that Charles Bukowski said it. Others say Milan Kundera. No one seems able to provide a source.
Thanks, John. I believe a little more quote sleuthing is in order! To me, though, Bukowski sounds like the more plausible author.
It is a strange sort of loneliness when one's partner is in dementia. You're alone so far as being able to talk with him/her with any depth, and yet the person is always with you and needs your attention and care. Maybe this is why I talk so easily and so much to strangers. Thankfully, they seem to welcome my meanderings and cordially join in the conversations.
Thanks for the extremely helpful reminder, Pat. I hadn't even considered that scenario in my post, but, thanks to you, I will never again think about loneliness without factoring it in.
Another great newsletter this week. Thank you. The Cartoon at the end is powerful. I post quotes daily on my Facebook Profile. Today I posted this one,
“In the end there doesn’t have to be anyone who understands you. There just has to be someone who wants to.” Robert Brault
It was a good blend with the theme (Loneliness) of your newsletter this week, Dr. Mardy.
Thanks for your kind words, Roger, it's always nice to hear from you. I love that Brault quote, but have had trouble finding an original source for it. Perhaps you or some other subscribers can help. It does fit nicely into this week's theme, though, doesn't it?
Real loneliness consists not in being alone, but in being with the wrong person, in the suffocating darkness of a room in which no deep communication is possible.
Sydney J. Harris in his book Strictly Personal, page 219 (1953)
Thanks so much, Art, that was a new one to me. Now added to my DMDMQ section on LONELINESS: https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/l#loneliness
You have inspired me to call a neighbor who I know is a bit lonely. Thank you!
Thanks, Barbara. Your single note makes the posting of the issue worthwhile!