If you’re an introvert, you might find solitude more comforting than being in the company of others, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Social situations or being around too many people can often feel exhausting, making alone time essential for recharging. Here are 17 traits common among those who enjoy spending time alone.
Open-Minded
Independent people have a surprising amount of open-mindedness. For example, Red writes, “They are also more likely to be open-minded and extroverted, going against common stereotypes.” They have a flexible mindset, which allows them to embrace new ideas and outlooks. Open-mindedness is also linked with higher levels of creativity and happiness.
Work Best Solo
This may be an easy one to guess, but people who prefer to be alone will also work best solo. Team dynamics can be challenging for an independent person, and they may prefer to go at their own pace on projects. They’ll excel in environments where they can work on their own schedule and control their workflow.
Embrace Independence
Happier Human writes, “People that like to be alone for positive reasons tend to be highly independent.” Those who prefer to be alone will thrive on being self-sufficient and making decisions. They’re even able to comfort themselves during distress and have tons of emotional independence.
Appreciate Solitude
People who enjoy being on their own are much more likely to do solo activities such as walking and reading. They value the quiet and the ability to take part in a hobby without any judgment. They’ll be comfortable with things such as dining and traveling alone, and instead of seeing it as nerve-wracking, they’ll find it quite enjoyable.
Value Time Highly
Time is a precious resource for people who prefer to be alone, as it’s their time to focus on productivity and overall growth. They’ll avoid wasting time on unfulfilling relationships and activities that don’t bring them any joy. Independent people will also respect the time of others, as they wish others to do for them.
Seek Meaningful Connections
Those who prefer to be on their own enjoy conversations that have meaning behind them. For example, Understanding Compassion writes, “They do not waste their time engaging in small talk but prefer deep and meaningful conversations.” They’ll also choose their friends carefully, preferring companions who are loyal.
Highly Intuitive
People who prefer to be alone have great intuition, which allows them to avoid negative environments. They’re able to use their gut feelings to make decisions and guide them in any interactions with another person. This can also make them aware of any underlying feelings or issues when they’re in a group situation.
Emotionally Self-Sufficient
Independent people don’t need to rely on others to comfort them when they’re feeling down; they’re quite capable of handling their own emotions. They’ll use their own personal strategies to keep themselves in a good place, such as journaling to stay mindful. They may also see setbacks more as an opportunity for growth than a negative.
Creative and Focused
Some may find solitude a great way to increase creativity. For example, Adrian Volenik for HackSpirit writes, “Some of my best business and creative ideas came to me while hiking through the woods alone.” Independent people may prefer working alone, as it means they won’t be distracted when working on a project.
Strong Observational Skills
Those who prefer to be alone can often notice the smaller things that others may not be able to. These observations can even help them make clearer decisions and understand any work better. It’s common for these people to pursue creative careers that require them to have a keen eye for detail.
Embrace Personal Growth
Failures are often seen as learning opportunities and a way for a person to grow. Someone who enjoys being on their own may practice self-discipline and keep working on their time management to get it to where they want it to be. They will often self-reflect as this will help with personal growth.
Compassionate and Kind
Power of Positivity writes, “They may like to be a loner, but they can still see the needs of the world around them. They’re very compassionate towards others, and don’t mind helping charities too.” They value deep connections, which also makes them slow to anger and considerate of others in interactions.
Maintain High Standards
People who prefer to be alone will refuse to settle for less. They’ll uphold high personal standards and a great deal of self-respect. They demand respectful treatment from others, and this can make them selective in relationships. They value their self-awareness and personal integrity and will always stay far away from any toxic situations.
Highly Empathetic
People who prefer to be alone have a natural empathy and can really understand other people’s feelings. They can use this sensitivity to connect with people on a deeper level and use it to help them perceive emotions and situations beyond the surface. This can be particularly useful in leadership roles.
Moral Strength and Integrity
Those who are more independent are known to have a deeper moral compass and can easily distinguish between right and wrong. They will make decisions based on personal convictions rather than social expectations. They can be unbiased and even offer different viewpoints, so another person can see things from all angles.
Self-Motivated and Physically Active
Just because a person enjoys being alone doesn’t mean they don’t care about their health. Many people who prefer to be alone enjoy regular exercise, but doing it on their own helps to keep them motivated in everyday life. Exercises will often be done at home, for example, by using a fitness app.
Enjoy Simple Pleasures
Kashi Writes for Medium says, “Thoughtful and creative pursuits such as reading, writing, art, and music appeal to solitary temperaments.” Those who enjoy being alone prefer simpler things. They find joy in activities where they can have alone time and take part in simple pleasures, whether that’s starting a new book or planting some flowers in the garden.