Alone or lonely?

This Covid-19 pandemic has given me a lot of time to think about life and myself. When I am free, my mind wanders more often.
My current question is: “What is the difference between alone and lonely?”.

My old teacher replied: "You will never feel lonely if you have warm memories in your heart".

One of my best friends said: "You can be very lonely in a marriage with the man you love so much".

Someone wrote: “You have to be alone to be with you”.

The world of human beings seems so complicated. I get bored then try to look for the answer from nature via old pics.

The first picture

That Wanaka Tree, which has been described as “New Zealand’s most famous tree”.
I imagine it is like a young independent man. He is tan, skinny but full of pride.

The second picture

The single tree close to East Cape (New Zealand) is similar to a pilgrim, who just stops and enjoys the view during her trip. She may even be dancing and singing.

The third picture

The tree on One Tree Hill (Auckland, NZ) often makes me feel sad. It gives me the impression of an orphan after a war or a disaster.

The fourth picture

I got up early in New Plymouth (NZ) and took this picture. That tree doesn’t stand alone at all but it still brings the feeling of the…“difference”. Maybe, it looks like a tall white man among Vietnamese, obviously outstanding. LOL

Recently, I read a definition that really satisfies my curiosity.
“Lonely is a situation. Alone is a choice”.

I wonder about those trees above if they are lonely or alone. Their lives are possibly also complicated. They may have their own stories, which could be sad or beautiful or both, like the life of every person.

How about your definition? And right now, at this moment, are you alone or lonely?

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