Lone Wolves Share Why They Like Their Solitude
Calling all lone wolves whose ideal date includes enjoy keeping people a healthy radius away from them and a long walk from the fridge to their bed. Do I have a few words for you—and they're all affirming.
If you've been criticized countless times for your loner ways, then get ready to shove some other people's support in your naysayers' faces. Loners on Reddit were asked why they "like to be alone" and their answers will give you that reassurance you need. Without stressful human interaction, of course.
We Have Versions Of Ourselves We Like More
"I never know which version of myself I am when I have to socialize. I always feel terrible afterward and scrutinize what I said or did. I feel mentally discombobulated. When I am alone, there's no stress. I like myself more." —Sue_Ridge_Here, Reddit
Living Alone Comes With A Freedom You Really Can't Buy
"I live alone and in my apartment I can do what I want, when I want, however I want. The complete freedom to have a day with no plans and then to spend that day doing as much or as little as I want. No obligations to anyone that I don't make for myself.
I've been living alone for over 2 years, but for the past 9 months of being single and (mostly) not dating, I've realized how much I am capable of enjoying my own company." —WhoisJohnGalt2112, Reddit
Every Loner Hates The Friday "Whatcha Up To This Weekend?" Question
"This is why I hate the perfunctory "got big plans for the weekend?" question. NO. I do not have plans for the weekend.
I'll sleep until I'm ready to get up. Workout when I feel like it. Maybe have an afternoon cocktail. Nap. Do some cleaning when I feel like it. Work hours are when I stick to a schedule. When I'm not on an employer's time, I'm on my time and I do what I want when I feel like it." —LocallyCourcedWeirdo, Reddit
I Too, Love Picking Wedgies
"I can do random things that are deemed unacceptable to do in public. Don't have to worry about people seeing me scratching my boob or undoing a wedgy." —toriheidmann, Reddit
Daydreaming Is Best Done Alone So Nobody Asks You Why You're Spacing Out
"I love to daydream. I daydream vividly, all the time, to the point where something is probably wrong with me. I daydream when I'm with other people but I’m better at it when I’m alone." —whatever1637, Reddit
Alone Time Is Hobby Time
"I think that being alone does not mean just sitting there with your thoughts. It can, sometimes, but honestly, DOING THINGS alone is also great. I like to do long solo hikes or bike rides. It's great. Suffering alone (as in, doing something taxing, mentally or physically) can feel great by yourself, free of judgment. You get to experience things only for yourself, no one else." —rlikesbikes, Reddit
Traveling Alone Is A Process Of Self-Discovery
"This is why going traveling alone is actually such a nice experience. Most people have only ever gone abroad with other people who know you and know how you're sort of meant to act. You have to act in line with your known persona, which if you're an introvert can be quite different to how you really feel.
Of course, there are some activities that are fun as a group, but generally, there's so much more freedom when you're alone. For once in life you aren't surrounded by your previous choices, nothing is expected of you, and you can be yourself." —TheLegendofRuneTerra, Reddit
You Can't Be All Social Or All Isolated
"In my opinion, it is nice to be alone every now and then, as it is allowing you to self-reflect and enjoy some quality time with your self. However, on a more permanent level, I have seen it wrecking my mood and leading me to a state close to depression...Balance does the trick for me." —asiminapap, Reddit
You Can Feel How You Want To Feel (And More Importantly, Ugly Cry)
"Solitude is comforting. When I'm alone I don’t have to be scared to be myself and I don’t have to pretend I’m feeling fine all the time." —xX-Kiki-Xx, Reddit
Alone Time Is Processing Time
"Definitely agree. I don't feel as if I truly processed new information or circumstances until I’ve been alone." —ThatAintBrutal, Reddit
"This is why I love long solo road trips. Get to see a bunch of cool stuff, and get to mentally process the events of my life on the drive." —UpstairsDeer
Some People Fill Up Their "Social Gas Tank" Quicker Than Others
"I tend to believe all people have two gas tanks. One that can only be filled up by the company of those you truly connect with, and one that can only be filled up by time alone. And they are different sizes for different people." —muncherofhay, Reddit
Being An Introvert/Extrovert Mix Means Taking Breaks From People
"I'm a mix between an introvert and an extrovert. I like spending time and talking to other people, but I can only recharge my energy when I am alone.
So if I have to socialize for two to three days in a row, I would make an effort to spend the next day completely alone to get back into good headspace, because I get tired from socializing." —Gebrasy, Reddit
Living Alone Is Appreciated After Living With A Crazy Person
"I moved into my own apartment over a year ago, was living with a real piece of work and hated every second of it. I've never been happier living by myself, I've never felt lonely and it's amazing not having to worry about anyone but yourself, and can go by your own schedule.
I'm sitting on my couch loving life, door wide open letting in the fresh air and warm sunshine, and no one can stop me because I live alone and that's the best feeling in the world." —ConcessionyStand, Reddit
Sounds Like This Working Loner Father Needs A Self-Vacation
"Responsibility for other people, too. At work, I'm in charge of 13 people that constantly do stupid stuff I have to fix. At home, I'm in charge of 2 kids that constantly do stupid stuff I have to fix.
Me time is from 10:00 p.m. to11:00 p.m. before I have to go to bed so I have enough sleep to deal with work again." —SmallerLakes, Reddit
Moving Back In With Parents Just Reminds Us How Good Alone Time Feels
"I am 32 years old, and recently moved back in with my parents in a new (to me) city. It's just a stepping stone to allow me to save some money and reestablish myself in this new city. The problem is they're retired and around ALWAYS. I always feel like I'm being observed all the time.
I had the place to myself overnight Friday and was reminded of how much I miss living on my own. My folks are cool and we coexist pretty well, but it's inspired me to get moving on finding my own place!" —krnl4bin, Reddit
A Third Person In The Conversation Is Our Loner Intimacy Buffer
"There are seldom few people I can hold a 1 on 1 conversation with. I need a third person in many instances because I do not have the capacity to bear that much conversation alone." —LordCharco_ii, Reddit
If You Think You're Presence Is "Annoying," Trust Me, It's Not
"This hits home. Shout out to the 'crippling fear and a constant feeling that you're bothering other people just by existing so you have to bottle up 90% of your personality which then feels incredibly exhausting so despite sometimes enjoying people you spend way more time alone than you should' gang!" —greengiant1101, Reddit
Sometimes It's Just Easier Not Having To Explain Why You're Unique
"I'm a bit of a weirdo and I like being alone because I don't have to explain why I said something or did something. I feel like when I'm around people that I have to significantly 'tone down' my personality, which can get pretty exhausting." —konjikamila, Reddit
This Retiree Advocates That You Be Your Own BFF
"I'm my own best friend. I don't have to explain or justify myself to anyone else. I can do what I like, with whom I like. If I want to play on my PS4 for 20 hrs there is no one telling me to stop.
Having been married then divorced for nearly 40+ years being on my own is a blast. I also just love being at home. I don't miss working, as that was very stressful being around people and all that entails. Now I can invite people into my space when I want to. Being retired is awesome." —juliebear1956, Reddit
If Nobody's Enjoying It, Why Are We Still Hanging Out?
"People are nice until they become exhausting. I don't want to be rude but I've learned over the years that when I'm done socializing, I'm done socializing. There's really no point in me continuing to socialize if I can't draw enjoyment out of it, I won't be no fun to be around any longer anyway." — sin_13, Reddit
