Question

Whether we admit it or not, many of us have experienced loneliness. Last month, a survey done by US health service company Cigna found that loneliness has become a common situation in the country. It even found that young people aged 18-22 are more likely to feel lonely than the elders. Loneliness often leads to the emotions of sadness and loss, and can even “make us sick”. So, how do we deal with the pain of loneliness?

Throwing ourselves into distractions can be useful. US lifestyle writer Adrienne Breaux wrote about how she turned loneliness into a productive learning process. She used to be a terrible cook, but whenever loneliness hit her, she would buy a lot of ingredients and try out how to make them into delicious dishes. After a few months, she became good at cooking dishes she’d never even made before.

This is a typical example of how loneliness gets us out of our comfort zone and allows us to grow. “When it comes to keeping loneliness at bay (控制住) , one of the best ways is to occupy your time with things that feel enriching, creative and exciting.” Breaux wrote, “It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re trying to master a new skill, practice a hobby or try out a new recipe.”

The attitude we choose toward loneliness is also the key to deal with it. If we see loneliness as an unwanted and annoying thing, we will suffer it. But if we admit that it’s an everyday part of life, we’ll be able to “embrace (拥抱) the beauty of our solo journey”, as best-selling US author Mandy Hale wrote in her book The Single Woman.

Instead of desperately (拼命地) finding someone to talk to or go out with, trying to have fun on our own is more practical. US Internet writer Kayla Albert shared a story of her friend, who uses her time alone to do what she really wants to do. Her friend goes out for dinner, watches movies, and visits art museums — all on her own. She claims that this kind of single lifestyle brings her joyfulness and gracefulness.

So, we can do it too. Indeed, sometimes, the best songs are the ones performed alone.

1.The survey from Cigna in Paragraph 1 tells _______.

A.when people might experience loneliness

B.how common the problem of loneliness is

C.how people deal with the pain from loneliness

D.what kind of people might suffer from loneliness

2.What was Adrienne Breaux’s solution when loneliness hit her?

A.To keep herself in the comfort zone.

B.To get a new job being a good cook.

C.To spend time for self-improvement.

D.To relax by writing her lonely feeling.

3.What can we learn from the passage?

A.Going out with friends is better than staying alone.

B.The key to solve loneliness is to accept and enjoy it.

C.The pain of loneliness gets worse as people get older.

D.Seeing loneliness as an unwanted thing helps us avoid it.

Answer 1