For those of us that enjoy our own company, being alone is a source of inspiration. A time of quietude in which ideas can flow and we can take time out for guilt-free self-care.
In a society that constantly encourages us to be on the go and in a perpetual state of social interaction, alone time can be hard to find.
And, if you’re not used to it, being by yourself can feel pretty scary.
But learning to embrace solitude is fundamental to our growth and development.
Let’s dive into 10 of my favorite traits found in people who are comfortable being alone.
You might recognize some of these traits in yourself, or if you’re learning to get comfortable with being solo, you may find some useful tips to help make the most of your own company.
1) Self-awareness
People who are comfortable being alone tend to possess a deep understanding of themselves. That’s quite natural, given that solitude is the perfect time for self-reflection.
So, they are in touch with their emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values. They aren’t afraid to sit in silence and identify exactly what it is they are thinking and feeling.
As someone who really cherishes her alone time, self-awareness and introspection have been so helpful in my personal development. I get to really look at myself without judgment or criticism.
These moments when I sit and go over my experiences help me see if there are any choices I’m making that don’t align with my values and beliefs. With the real me.
That way, I can recalibrate and make better choices that will bring me a stronger sense of inner peace, contentment, and harmony.
2) Enjoyment of solitude
A common misconception is that people who spend time alone are lonely.
That couldn’t be farther from the truth. You see, rather than perceiving solitude as loneliness, people who spend time alone actually like it, finding joy and fulfillment in their own company.
I know that my alone time is precious; I actually get cranky when I don’t have the space for some me-time.
There’s just something truly freeing in going out to watch a movie on your own, or going off on solo travels.
3) Active imagination
Another thing you’ll notice about people who are comfortable being alone is that they have such colorful and vivid imaginations.
I guess the research is true – solitude does foster creative thinking.
No wonder creative souls like writers and artists love going on retreats. Those times when they’re holed up in their libraries or studios are the best times for creating fresh and interesting work.
This leads me to my next point…
4) Curiosity and learning
People who embrace solitude tend to be instinctively curious. Being alone allows them to follow their natural paths of curiosity, finding answers to their own pressing questions.
Alone time helps them to remember that we all have an innate desire to learn and explore the world around us.
In a world that is filled with constant external stimulation, with content from all types of media vying for our attention, people who value alone time will find joy in reading, researching, and expanding their knowledge base.
And I’m not just talking about things like professional skills or intellectual curiosity. For people who like being alone, emotional intelligence also matters, as the next section shows.
5) Emotional intelligence
Do you easily get overwhelmed when stress comes your way? Do you handle life’s challenges with composure and grace?
If this is an area you struggle with, spending some time alone might help.
You see, being alone allows us to confront and process our emotions without external distractions and interruptions.
It’s the space in which we figure out what we are feeling and why. It’s where we develop robust systems to deal with our trigger points and discomforts.
Personally, my alone time is crucial in helping me really sift through my feelings and process them. When life gets to be too much, I need to sit down and do a self-check.
Which emotions aren’t serving me? Which ones are clouding my judgment? How can I calm down and deal with this in a level-headed way?
Questions like these help me gain some control over the situation.
Over time, as this habit becomes more and more ingrained, you’ll develop a sharper sense of self-awareness and emotional resilience. Not to mention better relationships!
6) Appreciation of relationships
Although this might seem like a total paradox, people who are comfortable being alone tend to have a deeper appreciation for their relationships.
Spending time in their own company gives them time to reflect on their connections, generating a more profound understanding of the importance of healthy social interactions.
People who are happy to go solo will engage in relationships from a place of true choice rather than dependence.
7) Independence
Speaking of true choice brings me to this next point – self-reliance and independence.
It’s a great balance, really. We love spending time with those we hold dear, and at the same time, we’re fiercely independent.
If you are comfortable with alone time, you’ll look at challenges as opportunities for growth and expansion. You’ll make good decisions and solve problems on your own.
You’ll value time by yourself to develop your ability to navigate through life without relying heavily on others to make you confident and resilient.
8) Strong boundaries
Obviously, if you’re an independent person, you already know the importance of boundaries.
That’s why people who are comfortable being alone often have well-defined boundaries.
Knowing when to say “no” shows that they prioritize their needs and emotional well-being.
Setting healthy boundaries allows them to maintain a sense of inner balance and protect their personal space, both physically and emotionally.
9) Adaptability
People who are comfortable being alone usually possess a high degree of adaptability.
They have a wonderful ability to thrive in a multitude of different environments without relying on constant external validation from peers.
This adaptability stems from self-confidence and a willingness to embrace different situations.
They don’t need to look to others to feel secure in a crowd. They flow through the changes in life with ease and the knowledge that they can take time out if they need to.
10) Gratitude
Finally, we come to gratitude, something that people who enjoy being alone have heaps of.
Simple pleasures often elicit feelings of recognition that there is magic everywhere — even in the seemingly mundane.
Sitting in the park listening to birds brings a sensation of wonderment and awe of the natural world.
Walking to work becomes an opportunity to marvel at human ingenuity in the design of cities and buildings.
The taste of coffee in the morning brings with it a deep appreciation for the senses.
All of that comes with quietness of mind. As Nobel Peace Prize philosopher Albert Schweitzer said, “Solitude is the sanctuary where gratitude is awakened, where we can truly recognize the blessings that life bestows upon us.”
Final thoughts
The journey to discovering the beauty of solitude is a profound one, rich in personal growth, self-exploration, and a heightened sense of independence.
As you cultivate these 10 traits during your moments of solitude, you’re not just nurturing yourself, but you’re also embracing an enriching life experience, steeped in harmony and inner tranquility.
However, it’s not always easy to navigate this voyage of solitude.
Feelings of loneliness can sometimes cloud the positive aspects of spending time alone, leading us astray from the path of personal development. It is during these times when a different perspective can offer a refreshing outlook.
We invite you to check out Justin Brown’s video, “An Important Message to Anyone Feeling Lonely.” It isn’t the typical advice of seeking new companions when loneliness creeps in.
Instead, he offers a unique, counterintuitive approach, a method that could help you deal more effectively with feelings of loneliness. More intriguingly, it might even serve as a catalyst for finding enriching friendships in the most unexpected places.
Brown’s insights are not about quickly fixing your loneliness by filling the void with mere social interaction, but about truly understanding the root cause and thereby finding a more sustainable solution.
His video is an invitation to expand your perspective, and it’s an opportunity for you to explore a different way of addressing loneliness, one that harmonizes well with the virtues of solitude highlighted in this article.
