Have you noticed how some people would rather stay home than have to go anywhere by themselves?
To them, the thought of flying solo to catch a movie, eat at McDonald's, or amble around the park seems almost alien.
But studies I read about just yesterday reveal that we often underestimate the level of enjoyment we would get out of doing things by ourselves versus with other people.
Perhaps it's understandable that you wouldn't want to, say, visit a luxurious restaurant or go on a trip to Walt Disney World all by your lonesome. But what's really the harm in enjoying a little "me" time at the library, gym, or store?
In an earlier post this year, I mentioned that this phenomenon often plays out at work. Three of my co-workers will not mosey over to the cafeteria to grab coffee until they're all present. If one of them isn't coming into the office that day, the other two will try to get someone else to fill his or her place.
I'm not sure when this notion of doing things in a pack became the rage, but many people regard doing even ordinary things on their own to be dull.
I think it's important for all of us to retain our sense of individuality and clear our thoughts every once in a while, both of which call for alone time.
We don't have to be with someone else to enjoy a good book, movie or meal. Whether you're married or have a slew of friends with which we go out, having some time for yourself is healthful.
I'm all for building great friendships and relationships, but that doesn't mean you should spend all your time in the company of others.
And saying that you just don't have time to allocate for yourself isn't a good excuse. If you have kids, you and your partner can always take turns so that each person gets at least an hour in the evening to unwind. If you're involved in 10 different extracurricular activities, perhaps you can pare them down to five. If you're phone is always ringing off the hook with friends that demand you go out with them, learn to politely say no at least occasionally.
Our lives seem to be getting busier with each passing year. Between work, marriage, kids, and other priorities, it can be difficult to reserve time for ourselves -- but it's far from impossible. We just have to work toward managing our time better.
So the next time you immediately feel the urge to ask someone to join you on your jaunt to the mall or grocery store, consider going by yourself instead. You'll be surprised at just how enjoyable you may find your own company.
For earlier posts, click here: How to Understand People
To them, the thought of flying solo to catch a movie, eat at McDonald's, or amble around the park seems almost alien.
But studies I read about just yesterday reveal that we often underestimate the level of enjoyment we would get out of doing things by ourselves versus with other people.
Perhaps it's understandable that you wouldn't want to, say, visit a luxurious restaurant or go on a trip to Walt Disney World all by your lonesome. But what's really the harm in enjoying a little "me" time at the library, gym, or store?
In an earlier post this year, I mentioned that this phenomenon often plays out at work. Three of my co-workers will not mosey over to the cafeteria to grab coffee until they're all present. If one of them isn't coming into the office that day, the other two will try to get someone else to fill his or her place.
I'm not sure when this notion of doing things in a pack became the rage, but many people regard doing even ordinary things on their own to be dull.
I think it's important for all of us to retain our sense of individuality and clear our thoughts every once in a while, both of which call for alone time.
We don't have to be with someone else to enjoy a good book, movie or meal. Whether you're married or have a slew of friends with which we go out, having some time for yourself is healthful.
I'm all for building great friendships and relationships, but that doesn't mean you should spend all your time in the company of others.
And saying that you just don't have time to allocate for yourself isn't a good excuse. If you have kids, you and your partner can always take turns so that each person gets at least an hour in the evening to unwind. If you're involved in 10 different extracurricular activities, perhaps you can pare them down to five. If you're phone is always ringing off the hook with friends that demand you go out with them, learn to politely say no at least occasionally.
Our lives seem to be getting busier with each passing year. Between work, marriage, kids, and other priorities, it can be difficult to reserve time for ourselves -- but it's far from impossible. We just have to work toward managing our time better.
So the next time you immediately feel the urge to ask someone to join you on your jaunt to the mall or grocery store, consider going by yourself instead. You'll be surprised at just how enjoyable you may find your own company.
For earlier posts, click here: How to Understand People
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