💯

I’m introverted anyway, and I need some regular times of peace and quiet without other people. I don’t like living alone all the time and never seeing anybody, though. I start to feel sort of weird if I’m all alone too long - like in those science fiction stories about being the last person left on earth.

I live with Mr. Kat, and that suits me pretty well. We never were one of those couples that have to follow each other everywhere - we have some separate activities and interests. And for now, neither of us is retired, so we’d be away from each other for the workday, anyway. But living together works, because we’re very compatible: we have similar tastes in entertainment, similar living habits, and apparently a similar amount of need to be together. We can be perfectly happy hanging out in the living room together, but doing separate things.

I don’t know if there are many other people on earth I could have this with. Maybe my brother or my best female friend.

We need both. Solitude is when we get to digest and try to sort out and understand all that life has shown us. But we need interaction with as broad and varied a group of people as we can to have those experiences upon which to reflect. Either without the other is more a glass half empty than a glass half full.

The concept behind the question is an intriguing one. I get terribly lonely. Sometimes I go out of the house just to be around people, in the shopping centre for example. But then I've had an active life, socially and sexually, but I've also always been comfortable with my own company. I sailed through the lock-down where others struggled. You see, I've always had lots of hobbies and enjoy creative writing and making things. I've been in swinging relationships, I've been in heavily sexual relationships. I've also been in almost sexless relationships, which admittedly I found a little boring but it was nice to have someone to share things with such as a pleasant walk along an open beach; listening to the surf breaking and feeling the sun beating down on your skin. That's what I miss the most I think, well that and the sex of course. That's not to say I don't still enjoy sex, of course, I do, occasionally... too occasionally, if I'm honest. But it's not just a case of meeting someone, that's still reasonably easy. Meeting someone on the same wavelength... that's bloody hard. And as I advance in years I find that is the thing that's hardest to reconcile with. Largely during the summer, but also around Christmas. I bloody hate Christmas now, lol. I'm not completely isolated, I have a loving family and I'm quite comfortable with long stretches of solitude. But as someone said above with which I entirely concur, it's not just being with someone, it's about being with the right someone. Covid has a lot to answer for...

There is a quote I like that is appropriate here. The definition of a bore:

"A bore is a person who deprives you of your solitude without adding the pleasure of good company!"

I love good company and I love being alone too!

not every one lives in a big City,not every one lives in a small town, honking of horns bullets flying every where, tires screeching get up in the morning your car is gone, cant go to bed at night some one is sneaking in your window,,,,the lucky one is living alone in the woods all alone quite solitude,, you live longer if your alone,,

I love being alone.

I don't like being alone, but it beats being in bad company. On the same note, I don't go to ppl's houses 4 Xmas I can't afford gifts. Can't w8 4 January 2nd.

I don’t think of solitude as being alone when I’m in the natural world as it provides a sense of serenity and a spiritual connection.

I'm an introvert...and prefer my own company to being around just anyone ...there's nothing more lonlier than being around the wrong person for you

I’m comfortable being alone or with my gf. I’m an extrovert by day, so solitude at night or when I’m not at work works just fine.

I take like as it's dealt and find my comfort in my family and friends, still loneliness creeps in at times.

Perhaps that is the price paid for true independence.

I grew up in a large family, so I do value my alone time.

Wow, Beautifully said and felt.

Very well said

Exactly!!

True !

Then get off SW.

I like alone always have

Just coming across your post on solitude dated from May. Couldn't agree more. Many people are uncomfortable to be alone. Perhaps they don't want to hear that inner voice of the soul?