There is a saying that goes something along the lines of “You must love yourself first before you can love someone else.” Similarly, I personally believe that you must be comfortable and happy in your own company before you can truly be yourself in the company of others. There is a massive difference between being lonely and being alone. Loneliness is a horrible feeling. However, you don't have to actually be alone to feel that way. Many times, I've felt lonely when surrounded by a big group of people.  16  In contrast, being alone can actually be a blessing, particularly, when you've actively chosen it. In my experience, being bored and alone is dangerous and can easily lead to the feeling of loneliness.  17  The trick is to be active. Get outside, stretch your legs, do something cultural, buy yourself something tasty to eat or something pretty to wear. You don't have to take anyone else into consideration and can do whatever you please.  18  Spending time alone also allows you to more efficiently take care of problems. And then, when it's time to be social and meet up with your friends, you will be fully there, because you won't have too much other stuff floating around in your mind. Having been alone for a bit, you will also appreciate your friends' company more and chances are your time spent together will be more worthwhile.

有句俗话这样说：“你必须首先爱自己，然后才能爱别人。”同样，我个人认为，你必须首先在与己为伴时感到舒适和快乐，才能在他人的陪伴下真正做自己。孤独和独自一人差别还是挺大的。孤独是一种可怕的感觉。然而，这并不是说当你真的是一个人的时候才能感受到那种感觉。很多时候，当我被一大群人包围时，我也会感到孤独。 16  相比之下，独处其实是一种幸福，尤其是当你主动选择独处的时候。 以我的经验，无聊状态下的独处是危险的，很容易导致孤独感。 17  减少孤独感的诀窍是保持活跃。出去走走，伸伸你的双腿，参加一些文化活动，给自己买些美味的食物或漂亮的衣服。你不必考虑任何人，你可以做任何你想做的事。  18  独处也能让你更有效地处理问题。这样一来，当进行社交活动，和朋友见面时，你就会完全投入其中，因为这时候你的脑海里不会有太多其他的事情在飘荡。独处一段时间后，你也会更加感激朋友的陪伴，你们在一起的时间也可能会更有价值。

16.关于独处，讲话者说了什么？

A)它是一种可怕的感觉。

B)它会是一种幸福。

C)它既无聊又危险。

D)它是最舒适的状态。

17.讲话者称，什么有助于减少孤独感？

A)保持活跃。

B)去见你的朋友。

C)去国外旅游。

D)向其他人寻求意见。

18.独处有什么好处？

A)它为人们提供了一个深入思考的机会。

B)它使我们珍惜时间。

C)它使人能够识别真正的朋友。

D)它帮助我们更有效地处理问题。