Do you sometimes feel different, alone or left out? Maybe yes. Recently scientists have done a survey about “being alone” among people aged from 3 to 60. It shows that teenagers have great needs to feel like they belong to a group. Simply having to eat alone in the dining hall is enough to make them feel upset. They are afraid of being called a “loner”.

But being a loner doesn’t always mean being strange or disliked. Actually, it has become a lifestyle in many countries among young people who consider being alone to be an everyday part of life.

In South Korea, there are a growing number of people who describe themselves as “honjok”. The word comes from “hon” (alone) and “jok” (tribe). These people eat alone, travel alone, and enjoy being by themselves.

In Japan, people have developed a strong loner culture over the years. There are solo karaoke bars and solo cafes. Ramen restaurants for solo diners are especially popular. Clapboards (隔板) separate each seat. Diners can’t see the faces of other customers or waiters. But knowing, that there are other solo diner mere may make you feel better. But more importantly, you can try to find strength in your aloneness.

Aloneness gives you time to look inside yourself or think about something without distraction. “It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re trying to develop a new skill, practice a hobby or try to find out a new cooking recipe.” wrote US lifestyle writer Adrienne Breaux.

So when you are alone next time, instead of finding someone to talk to or hang out with, you may want to try to have fun on your own. You can start by walking in a park or visiting a museum alone. It may seem strange and boring at first. But be patient. Give it time. You may finally find the beauty in being alone.

【小题1】Who might be more afraid of being alone?

A．A 3-year-old baby.	B．A 15-year-old teenager.
C．A 35-year-old mother.	D．A 70-year-old man.

【小题2】Which of the following is true?

A．Strange people are all loners.

B．There aren’t solo karaoke in South Korea.

C．Aloneness may help people feel strong.

D．People in South Korea developed a strong loner culture.

【小题3】If solo diner sees other solo diners at Ramen restaurants, he might feel ________.

A．sadder

B．more excited

C．more nervous

D．better

【小题4】What does the underlined word “distraction” mean in the fifth paragraph?

A．being influenced	B．being encouraged
C．being surprised	D．being supported

【小题5】Which can be the best title for the text?

A．Eating alone	B．Belonging to a group
C．Ramen Loner Culture	D．Beauty in being alone