Skip to main content

Don't depend on others to do everything

Far too many of us depend on our partner, friends, and relatives to break out of the boredom that comes over us day in and day out. But why?

I'm not saying you can't look to these people occasionally, but really...with all there is to do in the world -- from books to blogging to Netflix to skydiving -- why do so many of us make fun and leisure, in all its incarnations, out to be a shared experience?

I think certain activities and sports like bowling and basketball are indeed more enjoyable when more people are involved.

However, some have taken this to a whole new level. They refuse to go to the gym or watch a movie unless someone accompanies them. It's as if they can't even enjoy a simple workout unless someone else is on hand.

It's either that, or flat-out laziness. Some of us can't be bothered to move a muscle unless someone else is there to provide a nudge. This happens quite frequently in relationships: one partner will rely on the other to get things in motion, whether it's laundry or groceries. Otherwise, weeks will go by with an empty fridge and heaps of clothes nearly touching the ceiling.

If you currently employ this approach, it's time to kick the habit!

Let's be real, folks. Friends come and go. Many of us jump in and out of relationships. We can have a falling out with a family member at any moment.

Depending on other people all the time to cure your boredom and do everyday things is absurd. You get far more done when you rely solely on yourself. And there's no reason to think you can't engross yourself in a good book or movie without someone else being present.

We need to rid ourselves of this herd mentality and of the notion that enjoying something by yourself somehow makes you weird. Some of life's finest moments take place when you're alone. Don't let anyone else make you think otherwise.

Comments

Karen V Poe said…
I, on the other hand, am quite famous for going to dinner with a good book alone, to the movies alone or even for a long drive to blow out the cobwebs. I come from a really, really large family so my Mother encouraged me to learn to enjoy and relish alone time.
That's the way to go, Karen. Good for you! I love doing the same. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Popular posts from this blog

Do you have Isolophilia? Find out...

You're probably asking yourself, "What in the world does Isolophilia mean?" It sounds like it would be something negative, doesn't it?  After all, words that end in "philia" (e.g., pedophilia) tend to involve things we want nothing to do with. But Isolophilia isn't something all people deplore. In fact, introverts like me welcome it. Put simply, Isolophilia is defined as having a strong affinity for solitude. It describes a person who relishes being alone. While extroverts can only take so much solitude, we introverts find that it rejuvenates us. In order to recharge our batteries, we need to retreat to a quiet environment where we we're left alone to rest and/or gather our thoughts. Extroverts, on the other hand, become bored and drained when they're alone for a lengthy period of time. Social interaction is the fuel that drives them. So while an extrovert would probably do anything to avoid feelings of Isolophilia in most cases, an...

No response from someone IS a response

Make no mistake about it: When you don't get a response from someone -- whether they fail to answer your texts or return your phone calls -- it is  still a response, and a powerful one at that. When a person fails to respond, it's a direct reflection of their interest -- or lack thereof -- in the relationship. Few things are more aggravating than having to hound a partner, friend, or relative for some sort of reply after we've reached out to them. Yes, we get busy from time to time, but that doesn't give anyone the right to leave the other person hanging. A terse text with something like "Been busy, will reach out soon" doesn't say much, but at least it shows some effort to bring the other person up to speed on why they've fallen off the radar. Failing to provide a response for weeks -- if not months -- communicates that you are just not a priority, and that you'll have to wait your turn to get this individual's attention. This is n...

Women vs. Men: Who likes to backstab more?

Whether it's on TV or in the workplace, the general consensus seems to be that women gossip, backstab, and stir up more conflict than men do. But, as with every other topic, I thought it only fair to put this so-called stereotype under the microscope. If you watch reality shows like Celebrity Apprentice, you'll notice it's the women who spend far more time bickering. While the men do at times become embroiled in tit for tat, it's the women who are portrayed as meaner and more hostile. In the workplace, I have noticed that women seem to gossip far more than their male counterparts. I haven't really seen any cases where a person blatantly backstabs the other, but I have caught both men and women in little white lies. If it is true that women are generally more into backstabbing and gossiping than men, why is this the case? I believe that it isn't fair to make a blanket statement like "all women play these games while all men keep to themselves and pre...