ABSTRACT This essay reviews the extant literature on solitude – and its related concepts – and argues that, time alone, when done with volition, can be seen as an intentional act that may affect a range of interpersonal and relational processes, usually in ways that are seen as positive. It is, however, often linked in the larger literature with variables identified as problematic, such as loneliness, and seen injurious to relationships. I suggest a more benign view of time in solitude and discuss its potential importance to understanding and predicting an array of communicative processes, such as greater ability to be present and engaged in dialogue, to listen well, and to experience and express intimacy and affection. Overall, the essay looks at the paradoxical – but compelling – nature of separation on connection and the way that this conceptualization aligns with theories in our field, with the hope of presenting it as a way to enhance well-being and interpersonal communicative and relational quality.

中文翻译：

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赞美自愿的孤独：“沃土”及其在沟通和关系中的作用

摘要本文回顾了有关孤独的现存文献及其相关概念，并指出，独处的时间在自愿的情况下可视为可能影响一系列人际和关系过程的有意行为，通常以某种方式被视为积极的。但是，在较大的文献中，它经常与被认为是有问题的变量（例如孤独）联系在一起，并被视为对人际关系有害。我建议对孤独的时间有一个更好的看法，并讨论其对理解和预测一系列交流过程的潜在重要性，例如增强表达和参与对话，善于聆听，体验和表达亲密感和感情的能力。全面的，