The poet Rainier Maria Rilke wrote a lot about solitude. Beautiful words - some that ring true, some that seem sad and unbearable But I always found that he was a true kindred spirit in the land of loneliness. I thought that he understood what it means to be alone, lonely and solitary. That he understood the value and the pain of it. If you have the opportunity, read some of his stuff. My favs are: "Letters to a Young Poet" and "On Love and Other Difficulties".

Here are some favorite quotes on solitude:

"I want to be with those who know secret things or else alone."

"Love consists of this: two solitudes that meet, protect and greet each other. "

"I hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people: that each should stand guard over the solitude of the other. "

"The necessary thing is after all but this; solitude, great inner solitude. Going into oneself for hours meeting no one - this one must be able to attain."

"Embrace your solitude and love it. Endure the pain it causes, and try to sing out with it. For those near to you are distant...."