Being alone and being lonely are two different circumstances just like being lazy and lazing are two different circumstances.

The difference is in preference. And the preference depends on the character if there are no mental issues to deal with. A motivated or confident person has no problem being alone and makes time to laze or relax when the body demands it. A person who has low self-esteem or lacks confidence tends to wish for companionship or isolates versus being social, or may have a tendency to procrastinate or give up.

Sloth is an extreme version of no motivation, procrastination, and giving up. It is a sin when these inactions are intentional and not related to any mental disorder, such as being on the negative end of emotional affect. Emotional affect is on a spectrum: the feeling of idleness versus the other range of arousal.

Why are some people lazy?

Affect appears to be an inconsideration or lack of caring for others or yourself, but goes deeper and can be a result of depression that keeps a person stagnant. This would require getting help. If, however, it is just a characteristic of entitlement or privilege, it should be rectified with discipline and routine, which may also need assistance.

I’m not sure there is a way of telling which is true of a person without further observation and knowing the person’s habits and actions in other areas. Unfortunately, looking at the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of the person’s environment is not a reliable clue. There are people who have dyslexia as adults and disorder can be a symptom.

Time is a major consideration of laziness. A person who is just relaxing or lazing does so during a specific or scheduled period or plans when they want to get away from other activity. And it is very difficult for them to put off things they consider to be important, like cleaning or completing a work or school project.

But if a person shows a lack of care about the way they spend time – like preferring to watch TV versus doing housework – is a sign of laziness. A depressed person may watch TV versus housework, but they know that they should be cleaning, and feel bad about not completing the task.