Just some things you understand if you’re a person who loves alone-time
Some people like to spend every waking minute with other people, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Then there are those of us who don’t just crave time alone, we need to survive. Crawling under our bed covers and not moving for an unspecified amount of time, binging solo on Netflix, or reading an entire book in one sitting isn’t just pleasurable—it’s mandatory for our well-being. For us, alone time is like our human battery charger station—we need it so we can function in the outside world. If you feel me on this, then you might also relate to the following attributes that go along with be an alone-time kind of person.
The idea of a “table for one” doesn’t freak you out.
Sometimes I like to cook. Cooking for one can be difficult portion wise, so it takes some practice to not end up with weeks of leftovers, but I find it soothing to have the kitchen to myself and then sit down quietly with what I’ve made without having to engage in conversation with another person. The same goes for eating out. Occasionally after work or when I’m traveling for work, I crave the solitude of sitting at a bar or high top table by myself, ordering dinner and either reading or watching what may be on the television in the restaurant.
Vacations with big groups give you anxiety.
In college I couldn’t quite identify the feeling of dread that consumed me when an enormous group trip was in the midst of being planned. I wanted to hang out with my friends for spring break or a weekend trip to the beach, but feeling like I was on the timeline with ten other people instead of on my own personal schedule made me anxious and stressed. When I’m on vacation I like to be able to see the things that I want to see, or just sit on a beach and do absolutely nothing—no excuses needed.
At parties you sometimes count minutes until it’s acceptable to go home and veg
I have been at parties where I never wanted the night to end. But I have attended many social gatherings where I just don’t have it in me to strike up conversations, as lovely as those people may be. Those are the nights that I make a game plan to make a quick round of hellos and figure out when it would be best to slip out unnoticed.
You can’t successfully shop unless you’re by yourself
This is no joke. I will go on endless shopping trips with friends or my mom, but I can’t seem to focus and get things that I need unless I am perusing stores on my own. It’s not that I don’t value other people’s opinions or company, I just love a shopping spree with me, myself and I.
You understand the difference between alone and lonely
There is a difference. Wanting time on your own doesn’t necessarily mean you’re sad, and if you’re an alone-time lover, you get this intrinsically. Sure there are times when too much alone time creeps into lonely territory, but usually a good solo hang is the opposite of lonely. You feel totally complete and satisfied with your own company.
Oh the joys of coming home to find ALL your roommates are away
It doesn’t matter how much you love your roomies, nothing matches the elation of walking into an empty house after a long day and realizing it’s just you, the TV, the fridge and a nice big couch to stretch out on. Ah, it’s the simple things.
Related:
What people who live alone truly understand
(Image via Universal Pictures)
