Alone Vs. Left Alone

I've recently been thinking about the distinction between being alone and being left alone.  They're two entirely different things, but they can accomplish the same end result.  I used to think that to recharge my "energy battery," I needed to be completely alone, but I don't think that's entirely true anymore.

There are times when I am done with people.  Too many people for too long.  In that case, just go away.  Solitude is needed.

However, sometimes I don't need or necessarily even want to be completely alone.  I just want to be left alone.  I acknowledge your presence, you acknowledge mine, and we both go about our business independently, even though we are occupying the same area.  I am aware that you are there, I am thankful that you are there, but I'm not necessarily going to further acknowledge or interact with you. 

I think an example is in order.  I am working this summer at the same summer camp that I have worked out in previous years.  At one point during program staff orientation, we were all up in the craft house.  I don't remember why we were all there, but we were and it turned into a game of "Help the Craft Director Make Sense of the Madness/Mess That Is Her Craft House," while also using some of her supplies for some purpose. (I don't exactly remember what.)  What I do know is that I ended up painting a sign for the Welcome Night Campfire.  I had someone else draw out the lettering, and then I staked out a corner and started painting it.  I was aware of the other staff members and their busy-ness, but they left me alone over in the corner with my painting job.  It allowed me to recharge for the afternoon while still being a part of the group.