Summarize this article:

Being lonely is a feeling that transcends your outward environment and current social activities. While someone can be surrounded by people in a crowd and still feel lonely, someone else might be all alone and not feel lonely at all.  Loneliness is a feeling of disconnectedness you have inside. Being alone is when no one is around you. You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Think about your likes, dislikes, and where you feel comfortable. You might feel lonely in certain crowds, but you might feel deep connections with people at small gatherings. The only way to move forward is to find out exactly what situations you are uncomfortable in. Consider the special circumstances of your unease and loneliness.  Do you like small gatherings of friends? How do you feel in bars, clubs, or other social events where you’re out in a public establishment? Do you feel okay in large gatherings if you know everyone? There might be hurtful experiences in your past that contribute to why you feel so lonely. One of the first places you should start is by examining yourself to figure out if this is true. If so, you’ll have a better idea of why you feel this way and you’ll be able to move forward.  Maybe you were abused or neglected by the people who were supposed to take care of you. Maybe you were bullied or left out by your classmates. Maybe you are feeling inadequate because of physical or mental disabilities, your gender, race or social background. Find a mental health professional to talk about your feelings. A psychiatrist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist can help you examine your past and determine what might be causing your loneliness and discomfort. This might be one of the last things you want to do, but if loneliness is crippling you emotionally and detracting from your quality of life, you should consider seeking help. Through therapy, you can acquire new tools, skills, and outlets to help you feel better. Counseling can also provide you with some much needed support. Don’t let the urge to conform to other people’s expectations make you into a different person. Focus on your inner-self rather than on outer stimuli and influences. Be proud of the person you are, and more people will want to connect with you.  Tell yourself that your own opinions are important. Constantly reinforce your own uniqueness and personality. Don’t fear being different just so others approve of you.
Recognize that being lonely and being alone are two different things. Try to better understand your loneliness. Examine your past. Seek help from a professional. Be true to yourself.