Not everyone can be an extrovert. Some of us prefer to be alone, and that’s okay too. Research shows that there are many reasons why being alone (and being into it) isn’t so bad! Those who like to be alone often have these personality traits.
Each individual has a variety of ideas, characteristics, perspectives, and preferences unique to them. If you find yourself having a hard time finding common ground with extroverts (party life, born leaders, always wanting the spotlight) it could be because you can’t relate to them.
Not all people enjoy having attention solely on themselves or are more comfortable in a group setting. Some prefer to have more intimate conversations or deeper relationships and cannot find that with many people. If you are someone who avoids large crowds or group settings and feels more comfortable when alone with your own thoughts, you could be an introvert.
The problem with being an introvert is that we currently live in a society that promotes openness of your life to others, no matter how constructed it may be through media such as social media. Introverts are often greeted with stereotypes and misinterpreted by others, making it difficult for them to see their nature as a positive.
However, these stereotypes are not accurate. People who prefer to be alone may be introverted, but the negative connotations associated with being introverted are far from the truth. People who can appreciate and enjoy being alone actually have a strength, confidence, and understanding of themselves that extroverts might not. Many times, this ability to enjoy being alone is actually because they have a better sense of themselves.
Sometimes they make us feel that being alone is strange or wrong. Society projects the idea that the “average” or “normal” person should want to socialize, be around people, and make as many friends as possible. This is a common perception reinforced by society. For those who enjoy being alone, perhaps even more than being around people, their lack of desire to socialize or build multiple relationships can become confusing not only to themselves but also to the people around them.
Those who prefer to be alone have these personality traits
However, we are here to give introverts some good news. You are not the only one and it is not weird! Although socialization can be important, and relationships can be healthy and beneficial, there are actually many benefits and personality traits that people who enjoy being alone also gain by taking that extra time for themselves. In case you don’t believe us, here are 21 reasons why wanting to be alone may actually be good for you:
1. Greater emotional strength
People who like to be alone are better able to accept, understand, and identify their emotions because they spend more time observing and evaluating their own thoughts and feelings. Because they have taken this extra time to understand their emotions, they have a better idea of how to handle them. Having this ability to better understand, manage, and channel your emotions in a positive way is not only empowering, but also a sense of strength that many don’t take the time to create and build on.
2. Naturally empathetic
Studies suggest that people who prefer to be alone are more in touch with the thoughts, feelings and emotions of others around them, which makes them more empathetic. This awareness of the emotions of others, as well as their own, allows them not only to empathize but to show more compassion for those around them. Empathic people can identify, acknowledge, and experience the feelings of others, which can increase their sensitivity to other human beings and allow them to care about people on more than a superficial level.
3. They have an open mind
Although some people would assume that introverts are more prone to intimacy because they are not as affected or exposed to the opinions of others, many people who prefer solitude are actually open to new experiences and different perspectives. People who enjoy spending time alone do not automatically have a closed mind to the ways of the world around them; they simply choose to gather a better understanding of the world in different ways that suit their personality.
4. They don’t need peer acceptance
Considering that modern society is so influenced by the internet and social media, feeling that we have earned the respect of our peers can become an overwhelming need, we will do almost anything to satisfy it. Popularity and acceptance have become one of the most pressing concepts that we associate with success, and this can be a harmful measure of success for living (especially for our mental health). However, those who prefer to be alone feel this need less than those who derive satisfaction from care and socialization because they have taken the time to know and understand their own sense of self. Because they have a better understanding of who they are, they are better able to separate their self-worth from the opinions of others.
5. They can admit their flaws
People who prefer to be alone are more likely to feel comfortable admitting their flaws and are more like-minded and agree with the fact that they are imperfect beings. This goes back to the sense of self they get from being comfortable with themselves and being alone. Being able to recognize our flaws and failures is an important step towards positive personal growth.
6. They prefer the company of other intellectual people
Feeling comfortable being alone allows many introverts to be more selective about who they choose to spend their time with. Because they don’t feel a constant or incessant need to be around many people, they value their time and can be more selective in how they choose to spend it. This is because they know that with or without the company of others, they would be fine either way. As a result, many people who prefer to be alone are more likely not to be interested in small talk or nonsensical conversations and prefer people who connect them intellectually and lead to more challenging conversations.
7. They value their time
We got to this in the previous point, but the reason people who enjoy being alone are more selective about the company they choose is because they value their time. People who prefer to spend time alone understand the true value of time, an asset in our lives that many overlook or overshadow when they are among others. Not only do they value their own time, but they generally have more respect for the value and time of others.
8. Strong sense of intuition
People who prefer to be alone are more in tune with and trust their gut feelings. As they spend more time getting to know themselves, they are better able to understand, recognize, and tap into their intuition, and ultimately trust it.
9. They are very loyal
Since they are more selective about who they spend their time with, those who prefer to be alone are more likely to be loyal to people who like to be around. They still understand the value of friendship, they are more selective about who those friends are. But fewer friends also means it’s easier to value and be loyal to those friends.
10. They are independent
They have established a more defined line for communicating with others for help and when to depend on themselves. This line distinguishes between connecting with others and actual dependency. By learning to face the world on their own, people who enjoy their own company don’t need people as much as they choose to have them around.
11. They have thoughtful opinions about the world.
A misconception that is often associated with those who prefer to be alone is that they are more likely to be indifferent to external or worldly affairs, but that is not really the case. In fact, they have probably spent more time sitting and evaluating the world and have developed incredibly strong and thoughtful opinions; they just don’t always choose to share them.
12. They are self-aware
Those who prefer to be alone spend a lot of time with their own thoughts, creating and developing a level of self-awareness unmatched for others.
13. They respect healthy boundaries
People who like to be alone understand the importance of clear and healthy boundaries for the benefit of both themselves and those around them. As a result, they are more likely to respect the limits of others as well.
14. They are brave
Because they are comfortable with themselves, introverts are not afraid to stand alone in the world, a form of courage that many do not possess. Your confidence may be confusing or unpleasant to others, but ultimately it is admirable. They are less likely to feel defeated, give up, or back down.
15. They have a good level
His incredible awareness and ability to concentrate allows independent people to analyze a situation with a calm, rational and balanced mindset and find a solution efficiently.
16. They place importance on self-love
People who prefer to be in the company of others are more likely to forget to reflect and value themselves. To find true happiness and form happy, healthy relationships, we need to have a clear understanding and appreciation of ourselves. Introverts take the time to find the reasons why they love and appreciate themselves so that they too know why others should.
17. They seek meaningful romantic relationships
Those who prefer to be alone value the importance of finding the right person more because they are not afraid of being single. They don’t waste time going out for the good of the company; if they are dating it is because they see potential in you. They also have a clear idea of what they are looking for in a partner and will stick with it until they find that person who fits their criteria.
18. Are aware of their strengths and weaknesses
People who have a better understanding of themselves are less likely to ignore their weaknesses and are less likely to feel the need to compensate by exaggerating their strengths. Being honest with yourself about what your strengths and weaknesses are is crucial to your personal development.