What Does Science Say About Those Who Enjoy Being Alone?

Loneliness that is freely chosen, well managed and enjoyed, improves your health and well-being. There are some who see this in a bad light since it goes against our social foundations and the natural connection that is so characteristic of humans. But there’s one thing we can not forget: it’s healthy to be a little alone.

Time alone helps us stay in touch with our inner world, thoughts and feelings. Those who are like this handle situations that cause stress and anxiety much better. As a result, this alone time promotes a solid personality.

Science has tried to study people who enjoy being alone and outline their characteristics.

Healthy, cleansing and beneficial loneliness is something that acts as “a moment to disconnect”. This behavior is not to try to escape or avoid people. Nor does it neglect to create meaningful bonds.

Being able to seek refuge in your shell from time to time is healthy. In addition, it has a positive impact on your well-being.

Today we will show you what science says about this.

Spend time alone to achieve personal wholeness

The book Party of One: The Loners’ Manifesto , by Anneli Rufus, tells us that almost 25% of the population is characterized by this trait. These people like to be alone and really enjoy their own company.

But society itself has always labeled them with different adjectives. Most of these adjectives are quite negative: antisocial, loser, elitist , or even selfish  …

It is common not to be confident in these people. This is because they do things like take a week off and disconnect from everything and everyone.

In addition, a person who does not have a partner and says, “I’m happy this way” is viewed with concern.

How can someone be happy if they do not share life with anyone else?

What advantage is there when one mind does not exchange ideas with another? Is there any joy when someone chooses silence over the conversation? Can you enjoy keeping your emotions inside and not sharing a couch, bed, a walk or a meal?

These are usually the most common doubts that the opposite people have. They see life through the lens of extroversion looking for constant social stimulation. They always look for company and always seek the support of others.

However, science says otherwise.

Spending time alone does not mean you are running away from the world

Doctor  Birk Hagemeye at the University of Jena, Turingia (Germany) has developed a scale with his colleagues. This scale measures your level of social activity, connection with others, and your desire for solitude.

Something we said at the beginning is that when we talk about loneliness, it can have different focus.

Different types of lonely people

• One of them is the neurotic person who only looks for loneliness out of necessity because they do not know how to socialize. They also do not know how to be drawn out of their environment, other people or stimuli.
• At the other end of the spectrum, there are people who enjoy certain moments with themselves. And at the same time, they are not running away from anyone or anything. They just want to be and explore their own thoughts.

Thus, the so-called “ABC of Social Desires” has given a slightly deeper understanding of this profile by showing people the following:

• Those who like to spend time alone are better at regulating their mood. In addition, they have fewer “explosions” from bad mood, discomfort, frustration, etc…

• People who enjoy their own time usually have a more open mind. They are more original, curious and imaginative.
• Their social qualities, as striking as it may seem, are sympathetic. They are closer and usually show more empathy.
• By going deeper into their personal universe, they know how to better recognize the external needs, fears, and worries.
• Another aspect that stands out on this scale is that it allows them to define their personal characteristics more. They are better able to define and embrace their introversion.

• This also tells us that this type of introversion is never associated with ambiguity at any point.
• On the other hand, the most outgoing people usually have a fear or an obvious discomfort of being alone. They feel threatened. In addition, they see themselves as “broken” if they are not at all times with their partner, friends, etc.…
• At the same time, another interesting detail is that those who feel comfortable in loneliness better deal with stress and anxiety.

Finally

However, you may be wondering what negative aspects this profiling tool can show you. What the ABC of Social Desires shows is that these people usually feel misunderstood.

They have a good view of themselves. In addition, they have a good self-confidence. But when they think about how others see them, they almost always see themselves as “the black sheep in the gang” or “the weird one”.

All in all, everyone has their own personality. No personality is better than another. Whether you are a social butterfly or prefer time alone, it is good to learn what helps you to be the best person you can be and embrace it.