Courtesy, Erika de Casier, August Rosengaum You're Not Alone (2023)
Loneliness doesn’t necessarily involve being alone: Many people feel lonely even in crowds or in close relationships. It’s often less about being physically isolated than about feeling misunderstood, unvalued or disconnected from those around us.
At its core, loneliness is an emotional signal, a kind of inner alert. Just as hunger signals our body’s need for food, loneliness signals our need for meaningful connection. This connection can come from family, friends, community or even a sense of belonging to something larger than oneself.
In the U.S., one in three adults has felt lonely at least once a week over the past year. The feeling is most prevalent among young adults, with one third of Americans aged 18-34 reporting feeling lonely every day or several times a week.
If you feel lonely, consider reaching out for help. Many governments and charities offer hotlines and practical guides to support those in need (e.g., in the U.S., the UK or in Switzerland).
On a brighter note, Danish producer Courtesy recently released a cover of “You’re Not Alone”, a 90s hit by UK trip-hop group. It’s a song meant to offer courage and reassurance. Courtesy’s version – some sort of ambient trance cut – features singer Erika de Casier and pianist August Rosenbaum. It is our song of the day:
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