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Phoebe Smith
Phoebe Smith

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Solitude: Not A Flaw But A Choice

Many people who seek solitude are often misperceived because our society places such a high value on socializing and joint activities. The one who skips the group event and hides in a corner, rather than participating in conversation, often ends up being labeled as a hermit or even friendless. In fact, choosing to be alone might be a positive and self-aware choice plenty of people make.

Alone does not always mean lonely. Solitude is a refuge from the external world where quietness enables reflection, feelings are able to make sense of and lasting peace is found. A person who decides to spend time alone does not want to avoid others. It is about returning to oneself.

Understanding the Appeal of Solitude

Everyone has a unique amount of energy and interaction they are comfortable with. Others find inspiration from being part of lively groups. Some people have a limit to the amount of contact they can handle. Withdrawing from society allows them to achieve stability.

They may have developed this need as a result of challenging situations in the past. Seeking solitude is also an effect of bullying. Children who were bullied tend to grow wary in social situations as adults. Trust becomes a fragile thread. To avoid further pain, they build a protective barrier: solitude. In this safe and separate environment, they manage and shape the atmospheric atmosphere and the interactions around them. People can actually protect themselves by choosing solitude. Over time, solitude equips them to handle the world with greater resilience.

Personality, Preference, and Emotional Energy

  1. The Introvert’s Sanctuary
    Many people do not comprehend introverts because societies are built to favor extroversion. Solitude does not mean they are uncomfortable around others. They need time to process and restore themselves in their own way. Introverts find social interactions invigorating but also find that they become tiring and exhausting for them. Solitude is where they refuel. Solitude helps organize their mind and allows them to return to others refreshed and able to participate fully.

  2. Silence as Self-Care
    It allows some people to explore and develop within themselves. As they enjoy silence, the recharge to focus confidently on purpose or a fresher perspective emerges. Without the demands of others, the mind becomes free to concentrate on oneself and fund a process of healing.

Many find they can only access certain sides of their personalities when surrounded by silence. Withdrawal can sometimes be an expression of a different feeling. Sometimes this is where stillness and quiet reign.

Workplace Dynamics and Social Boundaries

  • Emotional Economics at Work

Offices sometimes create a new depth to social dynamics. Workplace friendships can be shaped by hierarchy, rivalry, and unwritten rules. Thus, navigating friendships at work can be tiresome.

People who value reserves or maintain boundaries find endless interactions draining. However when people feel the need to limit their interactions it is not an expression of arrogance, rather a smart management of their emotions. At times, workers keep to themselves to carefully manage their relationships at the office. This keeps them more centred and less likely to become caught up in workplace emotions. This is not about avoidance; it is about sustainability.

The Distinction Between Alone and Lonely

Loneliness and solitude are two very different states of being. Loneliness means feeling lonely and disconnected from people. Isolation can be emotional neglect and a way of self-harm. Seeking solitude on the other hand is a way of self-care. Picking your own solitude often enriches your life, provided that your relationships stay positive. It can lead to greater clarity and empowerment around the way we interact with others.

Cultivating Loneliness? Maybe. Or Simply Alone.

It is time we ended the narrative of solitude being something that must be solved. Many people do not see solitude as a problem at all. Instead it’s a strength that keeps them anchored. Every person who decides to be alone should be respected, no matter what their reason may be.

When someone turns down plans, skips a zoom meeting or settles for an evening spent alone- do not immediately think they are feeling isolated. They are probably at peace doing what feels good to them. Standing up to the constant noise in our society and ceasing conversation takes real bravery. When they opt for solitude, they are simply discovering their most authentic version of the life they want.

Conclusion
The quest for solitude can be beyond the need to isolate oneself. It can rather be associated with the art of mindfulness and reuniting with the self. As conscious beings we need time for retreat and reflection and solitude provides exactly that. Cultivating mindfulness, journalling, and reconnecting with nature can provide clarity and perspective. The need to seek solitude, thus, is a natural tendency and not a flaw.

Top comments (1)

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AndyRosenberg

I personally venture from one to the other depending on the week. Working remote and having a family can be extremely isolating but also very rewarding at the same time. There are weeks where I get so much accomplished that I could never do if I was out traveling all the time. There are others where I feel like I need a safe space to share my experience.