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There are similarities between 'independence' and 'being alone' since they both speak of the state of an individual, however, they are not synonymous. Independence really speaks about having the freedom to make your own decisions or being able to operate alone. On the other hand, 'being alone' means that a person is by himself or herself without the company of others.

Young people crave independence. They look forward to being old enough to be able to make their own decisions. They long for the opportunity to be on their own. This is different from being alone. Generally, young people want company. They enjoy being among friends and having a good time. If independence meant being alone then young people would not desire it.

In the case of the elderly, there are some who are alone but they are not independent. They may be living alone but due to advanced age they have lost the ability to make decisions for themselves. In those cases, they are no longer independent and it is left to others to make decisions for them.

In the case of a marriage, the need for independence may involve making a decision to be alone. However, being alone in this instance refers to being separate or being apart from one's spouse, it does not necessarily mean that the person is alone. Separating from the spouse gives the individual the opportunity to have more autonomy in decision making. This in itself is not being alone. Although the person is no longer with the spouse, there are always friends, family, and sometimes children.

An independent person is free from the control and authority of others. The person is able to think and act without the input or the guidance of others. Independence allows the person to decide where they go and when they go without having to consult anyone. Therefore, independence may mean being on your own but it definitely does not mean being alone.

Being alone may indicate living on your own. But the people who live on their own do not consider themselves to be alone. In fact, they view themselves as being independent. They are not alone since they are free to invite friends over or go out with friends.

It can be concluded then, that independence is the more desirable of the two. Independence involves individual control while being alone seems to point to loneliness. Loneliness indicates a loss of control. So although the two terms speak of the individual, they refer to two different states of being.

Learn more about this author, Abinda Junkere.
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