Loner. Unsociable. Recluse. Just some of the labels society slaps on a person who prefers their own company to that of others.
But what's so wrong about a person being more comfortable on their own? We constantly encourage people to love themselves and be comfortable in their own skin, but as soon as you take time out on your own, you are labeled as if you are a freak.
Isn't there something wrong with the person who has to continually be around other people? There are some people who just can't sit still for 5 minutes. Their phones are always engaged, they are never home and every time you try to contact them they are busy. Why isn't that seen as unhealthy?
Isn't it possible to have too many friends and be socially addicted? I'm talking about the person who can't hold down a decent conversation because they're constantly texting, tweeting or checking their emails. The person who has spread themselves so thinly that they are too busy to truly form a strong relationship with anyone. I don't know about you, but I find it more lonely in a crowd of acquaintances than being by myself in my room.
Over the years I've wondered if there is something wrong with me. I can spend days on end by myself without the slightest urge to see anyone or pick up the phone. I feel peaceful, content, and stress-free. Chaos and confusion is left outside whilst I'm serene in my bubble. Where's the crime in that?
There are also many famous people who were deemed to have reclusive tendencies such as John Swartzwelder - comedy writer of 'The Simpsons'. Johnny Carson - NBC host of The Tonight Show. Daniel-Day Lewis - Actor of My Left Foot and Stanley Kubrick director of A Clockwork Orange, The Shining and Space Odyssey to mention a few. It just goes to show that even if you don't crave the company of others, you can still achieve your goals.
Do you prefer to spend most of your time alone or in the company of others?
Do you think it's unhealthy to spend vast amounts of time on your own?
I'd love to hear your views, comments and opinions.
EXCELLENT piece Rum-Punch!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree on all counts!
Thanks Ziva.
DeleteI don't think a person who spends DAYS on their own can be completely healthy or balanced. It's not just it's abnormal - people are social animals, we thrive in company. I think you're missing out and I wonder what might be at the root of it. Have you ever been screened for depression or autism?
ReplyDeleteI personally think that it all depends on what you do with your DAYS whilst you are on your own. I don't feel that everyone is social or has to be around others all the time. Maybe I'm wrong but sometimes the company you keep can do more damage than good.
DeleteAm I missing out? Well, if I am, then I don't know about it. Navigator, can you elaborate on what type of things you think could be missing from being a social animal?
As for depression or autism, there are many well known people who are vicious social animals, entertainers, comedians etc who suffer from these conditions. Let me know what you think and thanks for honesty putting your point of view on this.
I'm one of those who needs alone time. I'm definitely an introvert and I re-energise from being on my own.
ReplyDeleteAh, would you say that an introvert is the same as someone who enjoys their own company Kellie? I'm only asking because some introverts like to be social but they just stay in the background more or are not the 'life and soul' of the party.
DeleteAs always, you don't have to reply, as I'm just curious. Thanks for your comment.
I can relate to you I love to be just for myself and really enjoy it:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiiting ny blog:)
I've just recently come across your blog Joy, and I'm enjoying it. It's nice to know that some people also enjoy being by themselves and a warm welcome to you.
DeleteI live in a home where husband and wife are on opposite ends of your thought. I am the 'people' person, she the quiet, stand back and mind your own business person. We have meld in an interesting cocktail of the two for over 38 years. She has dedicated her life to making me realize I am not the center of the universe- in a loving way...
ReplyDeleteWell, first of all congratulations on being married for 38 years. Not something I hear of very often. They say that 'opposites attract' so could this be classic case? The perfect cocktail. Great to hear from you Raining Iguanas and thanks for taking the time to comment.
DeleteI will talk to absolutely anyone, and I love people in general. But I can't think of anything better than living on my own. And that's despite living in a rather chaotic household for the last 17 years.
ReplyDeleteI think we're all loners really, in our heads.
Ah, thinking aloud now. Similar to what I replied to Navigator. Inside of our being some of us are loners, we long to be on our own most of the time but society dictates that we mix with the mass and be 'social' depending on what that means to each person. So we do just that, but afterwards we run back to our natural shells to be what we might call our natural state - alone. Nice to hear from you Diaryofaninternetnobody.
DeleteI am like that and I prefer to be alone as much as possible. This is because I like to do the things that interest me and I love the peace and quiet. To tell you the truth I have been that way all my life. I am happier this way, than having to deal with the stress of trying to please others.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that this is second nature to you Susana. You know what you enjoy and like and you recognise that this is how you are as a person. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI think some alone time is good. Wish I got to have some!
ReplyDeleteLanthie, with that red mini-skirt, stockings and boots, I guarantee you that any alone time you was thinking about has been dashed, ha ha ha ha ha.
DeleteI think alone time is good... I also love being around people... I think there needs to be a healthy balance... too much of anything isn't good for anyone :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you Launna. But how much is too much, as I do interact with people but I really prefer alone time more? To me, that's healthy. Thanks for your comment :)
DeleteI think it's part of our uniqueness, and just as there's nothing wrong with having black hair or red hair, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be alone or with others. While I need about 15 minutes a day of completely alone time to feel my best, I spend the rest of the day around my family and students, so usually filled with lots of people.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said Shelly. It's a matter of doing what's right for each individual. Yours is 15 mins a day, and someone else is several straight days BUT as long as we can still interact with others as and when necessary. Thanks for stopping by again.
DeleteI tend to seek astrology for answers to questions like that. Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are the most gregarious and love social settings. Water signs (Scorpio, Cancer, Pisces) are more reflective and tend to like solitude. But, this can be altered by the other planets seen on the horizon during one's birth.
ReplyDeleteAh, your comment fascinates me. Does this then mean that everyone born under certain 'star signs' should exhibit the same tendencies? As a wild example, all leos should be outgoing people and all cancers should be more quiet, introvert and alone? Just curious to know what you think and thanks for sharing your views Manzanita.
DeleteRPD, I'm perfectly comfortable spending time alone without interacting with another human being. It doesn't bother me at all. I've always been like that. I do enjoy being around people, but I cherish my alone time. I'd say I'm an introvert by nature who's learned to compensate extremely well; in fact, most people perceive me as an extrovert. I don't think there's anything wrong with being reclusive, if that's what makes one happy. I know people who are "social addicts," people like my sister who never ever has time to talk on the phone or sit perfectly still and think about nothing. Honestly, I feel sorry for people who are always on the go and too busy to enjoy life; they don't know what they're missing out on!
ReplyDeleteHelena, you are too much like me. Every time I come across your points of views, comments, blog etc you run shivers through my spine on many aspects of life. I too look at people who are extremely busy and feel as if they don't really have time to enjoy much because there're always on the go.
DeleteI think the people who are best off are the ones who live in both worlds; willing and able to be social, but comfortable alone.
ReplyDeleteThere are times when we need others, that's just a fact. And if we don't nurture those relationships they aren't there when we need them.
But we need to work on ourselves as well, get comfortable in our own skin and spending time alone. That's about personal growth.
And when we grow personally, we're better at relationships. And when we grow our relationships, we're better people.
It's all connected.
Thanks, Karen. I appreciate this. Not only saying that both aspects are important, but also a breakdown of why. Good to hear from you.
DeleteInteresting Post RPD...
ReplyDeleteI'm one that does not have to be around "people" all the time. I don't mind alone time at all. But, I do enjoy and prefer to be with my wife, Donna. Our schedules make it so that we each have some alone time throughout the week. And I think that makes our together time that much better.
It's funny that you mention "Bubble." My partner for many years while working was divorced and raised his 3 children. For over 20 years, he was a "Bubble" guy. Did not want to be around people. Turned his lights off at Halloween, etc. Shut the doors, close the blinds, turn on the TV, and leave me alone type.
And then, around 15 months ago, or so, he met the "love of his life." They were recently married, his life has turned upside down, and he is happy now beyond all expectations. They are out & about a lot. So, he has lived on "both sides" of your "equation."
Today, he would tell you he loves the company. A few years ago, he would absolutely say, "Leave me alone." Go figure.
I think everybody needs a "Happy Middle." A little bit of each. My 2 cents... For what it's worth.
Have a great week, Slu
Slu, a very interesting angle. I'm now wondering that if the conditions were right in one's life then could you turn from being a reclusive to being a social person? Or if you were truly a real reclusive, then regardless to how life turns out, then you would still be a reclusive type. Thanks for getting me to think more about this Slu. You chose a brilliant example.
Deletei got family, relatives, and friends . . . but honestly, i love being alone... i mean, i can hear my thoughts and emotions by being alone...by being me. And i don't see any problem with that.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the answer Ric LifeNCanvas. We just have to be 'me' because we are made that way? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
DeleteI love being around people, I'm very talkative and friendly, and have a lot of social energy. Nothing delights me more than meeting someone new and having a great conversation. On the other hand, I also love being alone, wandering off somewhere in nature, indulging my five senses, observing and drinking in the world around me. I'm very comfortable in both worlds.
ReplyDeleteSeems like you are someone who has a balance between the both and don't side too much on either way. Now NP, did I read the words 'drinking in the world around me'? Do you have a favourite tipple that you sip in your alone times? I'd love to hear about it :)
DeleteIf by favorite tipple, you mean something alcoholic, then no-I'm strictly a water drinker. What I drink in is the sweet smell of lilacs and the cool mist coming off a waterfall.
DeleteI've spent the last 26 years of my life in a noisy home. Now that 3 out of 4 kids have grown and moved out, I relish my quiet time! I went so far as to turn one of the spare bedrooms into my home office and now it is my sanctuary. I don't even want other family members to come into the room when I am in there blogging. I love the peace and serenity I feel in that room. However, the nights can be long and lonely if you're by yourself. I need a healthy balance each day of human interaction and alone time...but dare I say I have been spending more and more time by myself..and loving it!
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine the serenity you now feel after spending so many years in a noisy environment. Enjoy the peace and tranquility while it lasts Menopausal Mama. I'm thinking ahead ie: lots of children equals lots of grandchildren :)
DeleteAlways good to hear from you.
I have always enjoyed being alone. I feel more at ease.
ReplyDeleteBut sometimes it's great to be with others.
Each person must have their own balance of time spent alone and time spent with others. As long as they feel happy with their needs there is nothing wrong.
Hope you don't mind me asking but why do you feel more at ease John? I know the answer I would give to that question for myself, but I'm interested to hear yours. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteOh how I miss my alone time! I don't get too much these days but I used to and I was mostly content with it although I suspect, for me, it made me a bit more prone to depression. That said, not having it makes me much more prone to irritation! So, balance is good. I truly feel bad for people who can't stand to be alone because I don't think constant interaction leaves any room for creativity or true relaxation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your views Auntie. It's interesting what you said about being more prone to depression when being alone.
DeleteI share your preferance of being alone, and I don't think that there is anything wrong with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shawn :)
DeleteI like being alone and I also like being with and socializing with other people. I can enjoy either way.
ReplyDeleteSeems like you found the right balance Dizzy. Thanks for commenting mate.
DeleteI am like you. I love spending time with myself. Dont worry we are NORMAL and stress free ! :)
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Shainee
apieceofshe.blogspot.com
Thumbs up Shainee and thanks for stopping by and hoping to hear from you again :)
DeleteI tend to be very social, but I am fine being alone, probably because I love reading.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's easier to be alone when you actually have something to do or somewhere to go. Thanks Jamie.
DeleteWhether solo or social, I think what matters is being happy and yes, "comfortable in your own skin." I think if two people are at a restaurant and both are paying attention to their phones and not each other, they ARE alone.
ReplyDeleteSo true Gina. And people wonder why they have communication problems! Good to hear from you Gina.
DeleteThere are times when I prefer to just 'be'. No noise but those of my own thoughts and no stress or hassle. Other times, I love it when it is just me and Spawn and at other times, I enjoy the company of others. Everything in equal measures, I think. :)
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have the right balance for you Lily. I can just imagine what you and Spawn get up to when you're alone with him, ha ha ha. Nice to hear from you.
DeleteThis is one of the subjects where society means, but seriously means, to interfere with the individual.
ReplyDeleteI have been witness of how those people who argue about the evil of solitude is due to a long list of psychological disorders in their own mind.
We do not know enough of our brain, let alone our mind, if you think they are two different things, as to have any educated opinion about what is better. But of course, we have those who had been convinced they are the owner of truth, when the poor girl, I mean truth, lives down in a deep well, and despite our efforts we do not know but small pieces of her self.
On the other hand, I am never alone because I am with ME! And I am company enough, especially when you can compare some other examples.
And that is not all, when being with ME is not enough, I am with Elf, who is as real as the Cheshire Cat, it can disappear but his smile keeps its place in space. Believe me Elf is very real!
And as Hamlet likes to repeat before dying: The rest is silence! :)
Oh yes, we do love Elf. Elf is more than enough to keep you fully entertained during those quiet moments in time. Of course Elf is real, how could he not be:)
DeleteAlways a pleasure to hear what you have to say Od Liam.
One thing I like your post is its conciseness.
ReplyDeleteI think personal preference is absolutely one's own business, as long as it doesn't hurt others. However, if one found anxiety, or fear in either situations (being alone or with people), I think this one person may be concerned about it because it would be certainly related to health factor. As a person who has "society anxiety", I would work on that part because I do not think it is a healthy function of my life, and I want to live healthily. However, my feeling comfortable to be with myself, enjoy my own time, is certainly my life time "hobby".
I didn't even think about those that suffer with some sort of anxiety about being in social situations Yun Yi. So thanks for bringing it to my attention. It must be very hard for anyone in this position to communicate within social settings without feeling very anxious, stressful, fearful or suchlike.
DeleteI'm sorry that you have gone through this but at least you are now working towards making your lifestyle more healthy. One day at a time. And thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
Interesting question. It's funny. I love to be alone. However, since I was unemployed off-and-on for several years and now work in an office with one other person, I crave human contact. Without human contact, you miss out on the quirky surprises in life that happens when humans do inherently human things.
ReplyDelete'Quirky surprises' yes but not all surprises are pleasant and a certain quirkiness is best not to be exposed to, ha ha ha - but I do take your point on board.
DeleteThere's nothing better than seeing certain things take place there and then. But I guess that's the price you pay. Thanks Lauren.
I so love being alone more than being around others.
ReplyDeleteJust being nosey Donna. Have you always felt that way? Because some people find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own and end up enjoying it. Thanks for stopping by Donna.
DeleteI believe there should be a balance when it comes to spending time with yourself and around others. I am such a content person, I can spend lots of time by myself and don't have to be entertain by others. I also love spending time with family and friends.
ReplyDelete*Shanay*
www.myuniquegirlz.blogspot.com
Thanks Shanay. Like Lily, it's good that you have found the right balance that suits you.
DeleteHi Rum-Punch Drunk. There is nothing wrong with enjoying your alone time, even spending vast amounts of time on your own. Nothing wrong with that at all. As a matter of fact, many famous individuals tended to be reclusive, and to your list I’d like to add writers J.D. Salinger, Harper Lee (“To Kill a Mockingbird”), and poet Emily Dickinson, all of whom were also brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty social, love people and enjoy being around others, but I also relish my alone time too. In fact, I think alone time is very important and I think it’s healthy. I have never had a problem being by myself, and can always find something to do, I am never bored. However, my husband is just the opposite. When he’s home, he constantly wants my company unless he’s otherwise engaged in watching sports on TV or playing with the dogs. He doesn’t seem to be someone who can be alone easily, he gets bored and wants company, so that tends to cut into my time wanting to write, read blogs, or just take a walk by myself. We’re just two different types of people that way. So I believe that while it’s good to spend time with others, it’s also healthy to spend time alone as well, as much time alone as you want.
Oh JerseyLil, maybe I will be famous one day too, since all these top people seem to have reclusive tendencies (I'm laughing at myself now). Only time will tell, ha ha ha.
DeleteOn a serious level, though, I've noticed that in responding to this topic others have also mentioned being with someone who is different to you so perhaps this is showing the truth that opposites attract, even in this aspect. Thanks you so much for commenting.
I am a very social kind of person, and like to be in touch and contact with many friends, but I am also the type that loves my alone time. I need it. Many times I will go out on my own for a meal, shopping, the gun range, coffee shop, just to unwind without having to entertain others. I thank that even though many of us crave social connection we also need time to just enjoy being with ourselves.
ReplyDeleteNow, take it easy on that gun range Phil, but I understand what you mean by doing things by yourself every now and again. It's good to be at one with who you really are. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
DeleteMy comment might seem to contradict itself. In actuality, I'm a reluctant recluse. I do yearn for social stimulus, yet paradoxically, I'm very happy in my own company and can go weeks without any visitors or me visiting anybody else.
ReplyDeleteYet, when I do venture out, I'm friendly, approachable and whenever I'm a shop. the faces of the staff light up with happy smiles. I live in two worlds. I lead a double life. However, I'm very comfortable with who I am and those that know me understand that I'm somewhat a solitary individual and here we go again, a contradiction, I can also be the life of the party. I don't know anybody who considers me a "freak."
You probably realise with your thoughtful posting, how therapeutic a resource blogging can be.
Look after yourself and keep smiling.
Gary :)
I totally see what you are saying in regards to the reclusive side and that you are not just a quiet person in nature, but you can also be extremely social. As long as you are happy and comfortable with that, then all is well. It's when others step in to label you as a 'nut' that things get nasty. Thanks Gary.
DeleteNo crime to like being alone. I myself am a loner, I like my own company and at times do feel more alone in a crowd. Sure it is healthy to have a social balance, but everyone is different and that doesn't mean wierd. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMadison:)
Exactly My Meddling Mind. We are all different and even our balances are at different weights. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteYou're so funny. I always wondered why solitary confinement is a punishment!
ReplyDeleteMis Anthropy, I'd love solitary confinement, but don't worry, I'm not planning on being there any time too soon :0
DeleteI have always been a loner, love to be on my own and just the thoughts in my head. Then again love to be with the person I love even if we just stay silent doing our thing...its amazing what one can say with just a smile.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% many times it feels very lonely to be standing in a crowd and simply hate that feeling.
It's a great relationship when you are with the person you love but neither of you have to fuss and fight because there is silence in the room. You both are comfortable with each other and just a glance or look can mean so much more than words.
DeleteTo me, it's a horrible feeling when you are in a crowded place or social environment and you actually feel very alone as if you don't belong.
RPD, I admire your candor! I feel a kinship to you, as I too value my alone time. I fantasize about going away for an extended amount of time. Backpacking across Europe, hiking the Appalacian Trail or just going to a tropical island...just me. Realistically, however, isolating myself (which is my tendency) got me into trouble a few years back. I've learned that I need to have balance. I think it's why I started doing triathlons. It forced me to go out and be around others. I still love my private time though. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, now I'm even more curious Michelle. Can you share what happened? Just so I can recognise the warning signs if it starts to happen to me. But I guarantee that there will be no danger of me getting into triathlons!
DeleteCan't wait to read what you're up to next Michelle. You don't mess around when it comes to training. 100 mile biking.... Yikes. I truly hope you get to do the things you mentioned in your comment one day.
This is a good post and I agree 100% with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite fond of my own company and love 'me' time. I am acquainted with people that constantly crave people around them, having truck loads of people in their house, always entertaining or organising some type of gathering. They measure this as a sign of popularity, however most of the hangers on are just that.
I'm a people watcher rather than a people person, I can drift in and out of the world outside but at the end of the day I like the peace and quiet, I'm not interested in drowning myself in other people's dramas. When I shut my front door I'm in a different world - Michelle's world, it's a quite, happy and peaceful place where I just go about my business, doing what I want, not being quizzed by people or feeling pressured into anything.
My personal opinion is people that are comfortable with their own company feel secure and content, happy with their own lot and don't require a crowd to feel important, special, popular - these things are of no importance to me what so ever.
I hate the word recluse or loner I prefer 'being myself'
Very well put Michelle. It's a shame when people feel that they are 'important' or 'popular' because they have many 'friends'. But in reality, you always get to know who your friends are when things go wrong. And the realisation can be very, very painful.
DeleteThanks for commenting.
RPD, there you go with another interesting post. I am somewhat introverted, but in social gatherings, I interact with people very well with others and I have found that to be beneficial to my overall well-being. I don't believe God made us to live a life of seclusion. In the Christian family, for example, God tells us to not forsake the assembly of ourselves together, to serve one another, to visit the fatherless and the widows (James 1:27), to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, etc. Such commandments require interaction.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I treasure my time alone. When I am writing, blogging, and preparing sermons, I have an office in a building in the backyard, and I love spending time out there. That is undebatably favorite room. There are few social gatherings that I prefer to my time in my favorite room. I guess I am saying we need to find a balance in life that's healthy for us personally.
It sounds like you have a natural tendency towards being alone, but that you challenge yourself not to indulge it too much. Somehow I feel like this is encouraging me to challenge myself a bit more in this area too, for the greater good of society or myself....
DeleteHmmm, now you've really given me something to chew on. Thanks for your comment Frank, and I always check out the scriptures you give :)
Excellent post. I feel the way you do. I don't need people around me. I never feel lonely. I have friends and I love my family, but love does not equal need. I always find interesting things to do. I enjoy my solitude. Somebody said that writers never feel lonely because they are with the characters they create. I feel connected to the world, no matter where I am, but I have become more introverted over the years.
ReplyDelete'More introverted over the years'... this is interesting.
DeleteThough I've never been an extrovert in the past, I do think that I've become more introverted as I've got older. I appreciate your comment Julia and hope to hear from you again.
Introverts recharge on their own - they just do. I don't have a problem with that! I enjoy people - and think that meaningful interaction is crucial to developing who we are, and offering ourselves as a gift to those around us - but as an introvert, I understand the need to get away, too! Each of us needs to find a healthy balance - one that includes both our needs, and others. I find the ultra-extroverts the most difficult to understand, because of my temperament - but as I desire others to understand and appreciate me, part of my learning curve is to get to know how people with differences in temperament operate as well. What a wonderful and complex world we live in!
ReplyDeleteA deep thinker as usual! Certainly the inclination among the comments here is to aloneness/balance. Nothing I would describe as 'ultra-extrovert', but I wonder if this cross-section is truly representative, or perhaps just reflects the character of 'us bloggers'. I wonder Melody.
DeleteAs much as I love my family and select friends, my favourite times are in my own company. I dream of a desert island with good internet.
ReplyDeleteHmmm... desert island... internet... I think I know just the place. A little spot called Necker Island- have you heard of it? You might need to put your hand in your pocket though. Great to hear from you again Robert.
DeleteWhere was this post when I needed it about four months ago?! lol. Have mercy me... I totally understand this, I'm considered anti- social, loner, blah blah blah. I'm not a self absorbed person, the "loner" thing is just me, just my personality. The worst thing is being me in a Speech class! I've found that in this type of class, that the professor constantly tried to change me. I could go on and on but I really do understand this. And thanks for bringing it up. Now I feel less like an alien. :)
ReplyDeleteAlien. That's a cold world for a person who just happens to find themselves out of place in a particular circumstance. Part of what I'm trying to understand through this post is this - 'does abnormal have to equal wrong'? Or am I just a piece that hasn't found it's crucial place in the puzzle yet?
DeleteThanks Angela, always appreciate your rawness.
There's nothing wrong to be alone because we all have reasons for doing so. I love to be alone by myself when I write blog posts or doing some paper works. That's when I can really concentrate on what I do. Noises and disturbances from others would make me easily lose ideas.
ReplyDeleteWhen my work is done, I love to spend time with my family and friends.
There are a lot of people who need quiet time to achieve a specific task. But what if after you've done the task you still want to be alone? Just for the sake of it?
DeleteThanks for stopping by Balqis.
I think every one need some space, need his or her own time :)
ReplyDeleteI like to be alone ,I DO AGREE WITH YOU :)
Thanks Aunt Mary, and nice to hear from you :)
DeleteWhat works for me is a mixture of both. I love spending time with friends, chatting or having a laugh but I also crave time for myself. Time just to be me and not worry about anyone else.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne, I'm glad that you are able to get a balance of both and have found what works well for you. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
DeleteI like both, but I prefer my solitude 60% of the time. I'm more of an introvert. I prefer the company of family and very close friends, but I need my alone time. Being married with children, there is seldom a time that I'm alone, so when I have opportunity to "hang out" with myself, I savor and enjoy it fully. I totally agree with your thoughts on this post.
ReplyDeleteHope, it must be hard in your situation, and I'm sure that you notice the absence of what you haven't got. Would your percentage of 60% be a lot higher if you didn't have the children? Just a thought and thanks for commenting.
DeleteI definitely think it would be higher. lol. In reality, I'm alone maybe .05% of the time. In other words, I' never alone. Tough for someone who likes being a lone. You get used to it and really appreciate your solitude, but miss the "noise" of company.
DeleteAgreed, agreed, agreed. I've often been accused of being happier by myself. I strongly disagree ... I'm happy with myself and therefore perfectly content to be only with myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and taking the time to comment, and hope you'll stop by here again Gswaterman to have your say :)
DeleteI think we need a healthy does of both. Everyone should feel comfortable in a social setting and being alone. I agree if you can't put down your device and socialize in a real life setting you need to take a break. On the other hand, if you are unable to socialize with others you may need to go hang out in a social setting. I'm the indecisive one right in the middle. Funny thing, I've been thinking of taking a break from my social media apps just for a detox. I just might!
DeleteThanks
Good to hear from you Kissa. I loved to know how you coped if you do decide to take a break from you social apps, whether it was very hard or if it didn't make much of a difference to your everyday life.
DeleteThis is so true.... I am agreed with your thoughts for being alone. It is not necessary for everyone to be social.
ReplyDeleteThanks Aliceeyyy and welcome. Hope to hear from you again.
Delete