Editorial Number 3
Loneliness
By Ellie Nash
Does anyone know what it feels like to be lonely? It's just a question, I am not really asking for a response. I am sure everyone has been lonely at one point in time. Even if you don't want to admit it, you have been. I know lonely well. We are friends now. I spend most of my time lonely. I can be surrounded by people and feel more lonely than in my house by myself. People don't seem to understand me. I see the pointing and the hushed laughter as I walk through the halls. I may not dress the way you think I should dress or act the way everyone expects me to act. That does not mean I do not know what is being said about me around school.
I know you are now asking why don't you just conform to what everyone wants? I will tell you why. It is because I would rather be liked for being the real me and not some fabricated version of who everyone thinks I should be. If being lonely is the price I have to pay for staying true to myself, then that is a risk I am willing to take. I have a few close friends that help to chase away the loneliness occasionally. For them, and you know who you are, I am thankful that you took the time to get to know me. You accept me for who I am.
I know there are others in the halls that feel lonely. I can tell by the look in your eyes. Some of you hide it rather well, but not well enough to go unnoticed by a fellow loneliness sufferer. I have been lonely for so long that I can even read through some of the best cover-ups. There are certain things that can not be masked; the eyes, the walk, bored looks, and the preoccupation with something insignificant. I have used all the tools and finally I gave up. I don't care anymore. I have been tired of being spotted by others as being lonely so now I don't mask it and everyone knows.
Remember, just because people constantly surround someone does not mean they aren't lonely. Also, just because someone is alone does not mean they are lonely. There is a fine distinction between the two that no one but the person in question can distinguish between. No one can make the loneliness feeling disappear except the person feeling it. If someone tries to explain this to you, please listen but don't judge. No one needs your judgement.
Words of wisdom:
The stone you throw must go through your glass walls before it can shatter mine. (People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.)
Also, he who is without sin shall cast the first stone.
Sorry for the biblical reference but it seemed fitting.