Liv Walde
Some of us are solitude lovers. A night in alone, hot cup of tea, favorite show on – sounds like pure bliss.
For others, the idea of spending time alone is akin to a nightmare. Why would I ever want to hang out in my own company?!
But what exactly does enjoying being alone mean?
That you’re secretly really lonely? Or just incredibly independent?
Well, turns out psychology has a few insights to offer.
If you’re also a big fan of being alone, keep reading to find out more about the 7 signs which indicate that you really do enjoy your own company, from a psychological perspective.
So grab your favorite snack, sit tight and let’s dive into this exciting journey of self-discovery:
1) Your independence is everything
Often, valuing your alone time means that you do really value your independence and self-sufficiency.
The freedom of being able to do what you want, when you want, without having to consider the needs or desires of others is very important to you.
Changing plans at the last minute on a whim without upsetting or inconveniencing others?
Sign me up!
Being able to choose what to watch or what to listen to, to dim the lights, and crack on the central heating?
Sounds like heaven!
And even though spending time alone is sometimes demonized, this sort of enjoyment is perfectly normal.
Psychology suggests that valuing your independence is a sign of self-sufficiency and resilience.
It suggests that you’re capable of taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally – which can hardly be a bad thing.
2) Alone time equals me time
It’s difficult to keep on top of emotional and physical wellness, when you’re constantly running from one place to the next in an immense hurry.
But when you have plenty of alone time and prioritize it, you’re far more inclined to engage in self-care practices.
A steamy hot bubble bath, testing out crafty new recipes, indulging in a 10 step skincare routine, meditating or getting stuck into a new book.
This sort of self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself, either.
It’s about taking the time to meet your own physical, emotional, and mental needs.
And let’s be honest – it’s far easier to do this when you’re alone.
Psychology backs this up too. Studies show that people who enjoy being alone often prioritize self-care, understanding its importance for overall well-being.
So if you find yourself focusing on self-care during your solitude, it’s another sign of your comfort with being alone. After all, taking care of yourself is the first step towards being able to care for others.
3) Silence isn’t scary
How often do you jump to meet awkward silences with meaningless comments, just to fill the void?
If it’s not so often, and you’re actually comfortable with silence, chances are you’re quite comfortable being alone.
Plus, if you appreciate the stillness of the early morning before the rest of the world has woken up, or the soothing quiet of late night, you’re also likely a solitude lover.
Many people fear silence, when really, the appreciation of it is a powerful skill which allows us to be in the moment and to focus and reflect without distractions.
Psychology shows that being comfortable with silence often indicates inner peace, and allows for more creativity, self-control, and self-awareness.
It often means you’re capable of finding happiness within yourself, instead of relying on external sources.
So, if you find peace in the quiet moments, it’s a clear sign that you do love your alone time and all the self-discovery it provides.
4) Recharging your social battery
Don’t get me wrong, I love socializing.
But equally, I always feel like I need to curl up and recoup after a busy few days or weeks spent in the company of other people.
Needing to recharge your social batteries after parties, holidays, or other social events is a common phenomenon experienced by those who really enjoy spending time alone.
They tend to find their energy sources depleted after prolonged periods of social interaction.
To recover, they might seek out quiet moments spent alone – reading a book, going for a walk, or simply hanging out…alone.
According to psychology, this is a classic sign of solitude enjoyment. Introverts in particular tend to draw energy from solitude and find excessive social interaction exhausting.
So if you also feel the need to hibernate and recover by spending some time alone, it’s not weird or antisocial.
It’s simply your way of re-energizing after a busy and social few days.
5) You get creative in your time spent alone
Many of the world’s geniuses are known for their solitary habits?
Albert Einstein, for instance, was known to take long walks alone which he said sparked his most creative ideas.
J.K. Rowling also acknowledges her alone time for sparking much of the creative process which brought us the world of Harry Potter.
And like these masterminds, you might also enjoy indulging in creative pursuits in your alone time.
Maybe you’re cooking up a storm in your kitchen all by yourself.
Or trying to teach yourself how to play the harmonica.
Or even composing a few jaunty poems here and there.
Psychology reveals that solitude can enhance creativity. Being alone with our thoughts gives us the space to think deeply, to let our minds wander, and explore new ideas without interruption.
So if you find your creative juices flowing when you’re alone, embrace it – let that creativity shine!
6) You’re comfortable with your thoughts
Here’s a little story from my life.
One day, I found myself sitting in my garden, just musing over life. No music, no distractions, just me and my thoughts. I realized that this was something I do quite often and thoroughly enjoy.
Do you ever find yourself happily lost in your own thoughts?
You see, for some people, the idea of being alone with their thoughts can be intimidating or even scary. But for those of us who genuinely enjoy our solitude, it’s quite the opposite.
We relish the opportunity to dive deep into the recesses of our minds, exploring our thoughts and emotions without interruption. It’s like going on an adventure within ourselves.
Psychology suggests that being comfortable in your own mental space is a sign of emotional maturity and introspection. It means you’re at ease with who you are and aren’t afraid to confront your own thoughts and feelings.
So if you can happily spend time alone with your thoughts, consider it a testament to your inner strength and emotional intelligence.
7) Self-awareness is on point
Finally, more alone time opens up the gateway to far more self-reflection and understanding…
Of who you are.
Who you want to be.
What makes you truly happy.
Being alone gives you the opportunity to tune out the noise of the outside world and tune into your inner self.
If you’d consider your self-awareness above average, and you enjoy connecting with yourself on a deeper level to do some soul-searching, you’re demonstrating your immense comfort with solitude.
You have a truly strong sense of self, which is truly something to be proud of.
What solitude can teach us.
If you recognize yourself in the signs above, you have a genuine appreciation for solitude.
This is something to be proud of – never embarrassed nor shameful.
Enjoying your own company is not a shortcoming, It’s a strength.
Through your ability to spend time alone, you’re showcasing self-sufficiency, resilience, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
And believe me – those traits don’t come easily.
