Ethan Sterling
Sometimes, finding pure joy in solitude can seem like an elusive magic trick to some people.
You might have seen them, those individuals who can happily sit for hours on their own, seemingly content with their own thoughts, their own company.
Frankly, it’s a bit baffling to a lot of us.
But then you start thinking about it and you start wondering what it is that they’ve got figured out that you don’t.
This introduction is for those of you who have ever questioned what it is about these solitary souls that makes them so comfortable being alone.
We’re going to delve into the 8 unique traits of people who genuinely enjoy solitude and hopefully, by the end of it all, we’ll have a better understanding of what makes them tick.
1) They’re comfortable with their own thoughts
Being comfortable with their own thoughts is a defining trait of people who genuinely enjoy solitude.
They don’t need the constant buzz of external voices to distract them from their internal monologue.
In fact, they love diving deep into their thoughts, exploring the vast universe within their minds.
It’s like they’ve got this secret world, one that’s full of wonder, and they are perfectly content navigating it alone.
This incredible ability to be at peace with their own thoughts, to not just tolerate but enjoy their own company, is what sets them apart from the rest.
2) They find peace in silence
Next up, people who genuinely enjoy solitude find peace in silence.
I remember this one time, I was on a solo camping trip. All alone in the woods, with no sound but the rustling leaves and the distant hoot of an owl.
Some people would have found it eerie, maybe even scary. But not me.
I felt this profound sense of peace and tranquility that was almost overwhelming.
It was like the silence was a blanket, wrapping me up, comforting me.
I realized then, that silence is not empty. It’s full of answers, we just need to listen.
People who enjoy solitude understand this. They don’t see silence as something to be filled, but as something to be cherished.
3) They understand that solitude is not loneliness
These folks have an innate understanding that solitude and loneliness are not the same thing.
Solitude is a choice, a state of being alone without feeling lonely. It’s about enjoying your own company and finding comfort in your own presence.
It’s about being perfectly content with just your thoughts for the company.
It’s an opportunity for self-reflection and growth, a chance to reconnect with yourself.
And those who genuinely enjoy solitude? They’ve mastered this art. They know that solitude is not a state of deprivation but a state of enrichment.
4) They harness solitude for creativity
Did you know that some of the greatest minds in history, like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, credited their groundbreaking ideas to their time spent in solitude?
Solitude can be an incredible incubator for creativity.
When you’re alone, your mind is free to wander, explore, imagine. There are no outside distractions and no interruptions.
You can let your thoughts flow freely, connect the dots in unexpected ways, and come up with novel ideas.
For those who genuinely enjoy solitude, these quiet moments alone are not just idle time.
They’re an opportunity to tap into their creative potential, to think outside the box, to let their imagination run wild.
5) They value quality over quantity in relationships
Another unique trait of people who genuinely enjoy solitude is that they usually value quality over quantity when it comes to relationships.
They might not have a huge circle of friends, but the friendships they do have are strong, meaningful and deep.
They aren’t afraid to spend time on their own, so they don’t feel the need to fill their lives with superficial relationships just for the sake of being surrounded by people.
Instead, they invest their time and energy in nurturing a few close relationships that truly matter to them.
In a world where we’re often judged by the number of our social connections, these solitary souls are a testament to the fact that, sometimes, less is indeed more.
6) They are self-sufficient
Being self-sufficient is a natural outcome of spending quality time alone.
People who genuinely enjoy solitude have learned to rely on themselves, to be their own best friend, their own support system.
They don’t need constant validation or approval from others to feel good about themselves. They are comfortable in their own skin, with their own thoughts, and in their own company.
This self-sufficiency is not about being aloof or detached. It’s about being able to stand on your own two feet, emotionally and mentally.
It’s about knowing that even if you’re alone, you’re not helpless. You’re enough, just as you are.
7) They take time to recharge
People who genuinely enjoy solitude understand the importance of taking time to recharge.
While some individuals find energy in social situations, others find it draining.
These solitary souls are often the ones who need time alone to replenish their energy reserves.
They realize that in order to be their best selves, they sometimes need to retreat from the world and just be with themselves.
It’s not about being antisocial or indifferent, it’s about knowing what they need to function at their best and not being afraid to take it.
They value their solitude for its recharging capabilities, a sanctuary where they can regain their strength and balance.
8) They embrace self-discovery
Lastly, people who genuinely enjoy solitude are champions of self-discovery.
They use their alone time not just to relax and recharge, but also to delve deep into their own psyche, to understand themselves better.
They’re not afraid to confront their thoughts, their fears, their dreams.
They question, they ponder, they introspect. They make friends with their shadows and dance with their dreams.
Solitude for them is not just a state of being alone, it’s a journey into the heart of who they truly are.
And in this journey, they discover not just themselves, but also the beauty and power of solitude.
Embrace the solitude
If you can see yourself in these traits, it’s likely you’re one of those who genuinely relish solitude.
And that’s something to be cherished. In a world that often equates being alone with being lonely, you have discovered the beauty and power of solitude.
You’ve learned to be your own best friend, to find joy in your own company, and to harness solitude for creativity and self-discovery.
If you’re still exploring your relationship with solitude, take it slow.
Pay attention to the moments when you’re alone. How do you feel? What thoughts come up? What do you learn about yourself?
Being comfortable with solitude is not about isolating yourself from the world. It’s about finding balance – between time spent with others and time spent with yourself.
Cherish this gift. Embrace the solitude.
And in doing so, embrace your authentic self.
In the quiet moments of solitude, may you find joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of who you truly are.
