I’ve always liked spending time alone.
Maybe you’re the same way, or maybe you know someone who enjoys their own company.
Some people think it’s strange to prefer being alone, but I’ve found that it can be something special.
It’s not about being lonely; it’s about finding joy and comfort by yourself. In this article, I’ll tell you about five characteristics that people like me often have.
1. Self-sufficiency
One of the first traits that often stands out in people who enjoy solitude is self-sufficiency. Being self-sufficient means you can take care of yourself without always needing others around. It’s not about pushing people away; it’s about being confident in your abilities to handle things on your own.
Think about those times when you have completed a task by yourself, whether it’s fixing something around the house or cooking a meal from scratch. That sense of accomplishment is empowering and satisfying. For those who thrive in solitude, this feeling is a regular part of life.
Self-sufficiency doesn’t mean you never need help or that you avoid people altogether. It means that you feel comfortable doing things alone and aren’t afraid to rely on yourself. It helps build confidence and independence, which can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness.
2. Comfort with silence
While many people feel the need to fill silence with chatter, those who thrive in solitude often find comfort in quiet moments. Silence is not seen as something awkward or empty; instead, it becomes an opportunity for reflection, relaxation, and connection with oneself.
Imagine sitting in a room with no distractions, no music, no phone buzzing—just the gentle rhythm of your breath and the soft sounds of the world around you. For some, this might feel unnerving, but for those who enjoy solitude, it’s a chance to listen to their thoughts and feelings.
This comfort with silence allows solitary individuals to be more present in the moment, to think more clearly, and to understand themselves better. It’s a time for creativity, mindfulness, and personal growth. The noise of the world can be overwhelming, and embracing silence can be a refreshing escape.
3. Appreciation for solitary activities
People who thrive in solitude often have a genuine appreciation for solitary activities. Whether it’s reading a good book, taking a long walk, painting, gardening, or even just daydreaming, these activities are not seen as ways to pass the time but as fulfilling pursuits in and of themselves.
Solitary activities allow for a deep engagement with one’s interests and passions. When you’re alone with your thoughts and focused on a task you enjoy, you can experience a state of flow where time seems to disappear, and you’re completely immersed in what you’re doing.
It’s not about isolating oneself from the world but about embracing activities that allow for self-expression and personal growth. It’s a chance to explore hobbies that resonate with who you are, develop skills that you’re passionate about, and create something that is uniquely yours.
4. Being self-reflective
Just recently, I watched Justin Brown’s video on being single and lonely in Singapore.
The video resonated with me, and it led me to reflect deeply on my own experience and the traits that make solitude enjoyable for me. It was through this reflection that I realized one of my core strengths is being self-reflective.
Self-reflection is about taking the time to understand oneself, asking questions like, “What do I want?” “What makes me happy?” “How do I react to certain situations?” It’s a process that requires honesty, openness, and a willingness to explore both the good and the not-so-good parts of oneself.
Watching Justin’s video made me consider how being single and enjoying solitude has allowed me to cultivate this self-reflective practice.
I’ve been able to identify my values, understand my emotions, and recognize patterns in my behavior that I might otherwise have overlooked.
Related: If you experience these 3 things, you’re truly embracing the Singaporean lifestyle
5. Embracing independence
Embracing independence is more than just doing things on your own; it’s about celebrating the freedom to make choices, follow your path, and live life on your terms. As someone who enjoys solitude, I’ve come to appreciate this independence as one of the most empowering aspects of my life.
It’s not just about being single in a romantic sense but about recognizing and embracing the autonomy you have over your life. Whether it’s deciding how to spend your free time, choosing your career path, or even making simple day-to-day choices, independence allows you to be the author of your own story.
For me, embracing independence means trusting my judgment, making decisions that align with my values, and taking responsibility for my actions. It’s about knowing that I have the capability and the right to shape my life the way I see fit.
This doesn’t mean that I don’t value relationships or collaboration with others. On the contrary, recognizing and embracing my independence enhances my connections with others because I engage with them out of choice and mutual respect, not dependence or expectation.
If the idea of independence resonates with you, consider exploring what it means in your life. It might involve taking more initiative, setting personal goals, or simply acknowledging and appreciating the choices you make every day.
Embracing independence is a journey that requires courage, self-awareness, and determination. But the reward is a life lived with authenticity, purpose, and a deep sense of satisfaction. For those of us who find joy in solitude, it’s a key trait that not only defines our preference for being alone but enriches our lives in ways that reach far beyond.
