Being alone isn't what people think

Many assume that if someone is alone, time must sit still -- that within a matter of minutes, he or she is probably bored out of his mind and itching to do something to make the clock move a little faster.

Well, while this may be true for some, it certainly doesn't apply to those who actually relish their time alone.

Why?

Because if the person is alone, there's a high probability they're introverted and enjoy their own company. If that's so, there's no reason to think they'd want time to fly.

Being introverted doesn't mean you're shy, antisocial, or snobbish.

It means you draw energy inward. Peace, quiet, and solitude recharge you. You enjoy being deep in thought. Heavy social interaction leaves you exhausted.

In reality, introverts have such rich imaginations that they can momentarily escape reality and live comfortably in their heads when the urge strikes.

From debating the merits of climate change to picturing what life was like in the 18th century, an introvert's mind is constantly firing on all cylinders -- a marked contrast to the calm, measured demeanor they project to the world.

Thus, when you see people who are alone and seemingly content that way, chances are they prefer their own company to that of others.

As an introvert, I'm often so engrossed in thought as to be oblivious to the chatter around me.

So, no, just because one is alone doesn't mean they'd rather be chatting it up with friends or doing other people-centric activities. Being alone and being lonely are two different things. The former is usually by choice while the latter is not.

As ironic as it may seem, some people feel lonelier in groups than when they're by themselves.

And while society generally frowns upon so-called loners, I think it's time people understood that not all of us are wired the same way. Some people do feel more of a need for solitude, and there's nothing wrong with that. It doesn't make them weird, but human.

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