17 Characteristics of People Who Prefer to Be Alone

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By Darryl Henderson

While most of us enjoy other’s company, there are a select few who prefer their own company. In an increasingly independent world, where we are fully autonomous, there are many reasons why people want to spend time by themselves. Here are 17 characteristics of people who prefer to be alone.

Independent Thinkers

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People who enjoy being alone often depend a lot on their own opinions and ideas. They don’t usually look for a thumbs-up from everyone else. They think through things on their own and trust their own decisions more than anyone else’s.

Highly Creative

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Being alone is often associated with loneliness. However, without all the noise and distractions of being around others, creative ideas can really start flowing. The Guardian advises we should all look for creativity, in whatever form it takes for us to flourish individually and collectively.

Deep Reflectors

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When you’re alone, you get the chance to think deeply. It’s a time when people can explore big questions and ideas without interruption. This can lead to some great insights and revelations about life and the world.

Introspective Nature

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Those who enjoy solitude are usually good at introspection, which means looking inward and examining their own thoughts and feelings. This can help someone understand themselves better and figure out their reactions and behaviors

Valuing Authentic Connections

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Despite their preference for solitude, these people value relationships that are genuine and meaningful. They keep their circle of friends small but strong. Their time isn’t wasted on surface-level relationships or with bonds that they don’t value as they see it as a waste of time.

Comfortable with Alone Time

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Not only do people who prefer to be alone feel comfortable being by themselves, but they also enjoy it. They don’t succumb to the social pressure to be surrounded by other people or attend events they don’t want to go to. They are fulfilled by themselves without needing others to gratify them.

Highly Observant

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Although it is common to think that people who prefer to be alone are caught up in their own world, they are actually very observant of other people and their surroundings. They notice the details that other people may not tune into, allowing them to have a deeper connection with the world they live in. 

Strong Sense of Boundaries

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People who prefer solitude often have a strong sense of personal boundaries. They know when they need alone time to recharge and are not afraid to communicate their needs to others. Business Insider claims that stepping down from power and leaving your comfort zone allows you to look at your company from a different perspective.

Inner Strength

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It requires a lot of willpower to spend time alone instead of constantly surrounding yourself with other people. These people have an inner strength to do what other people cannot, showing how comfortable they are with their own thoughts and emotions which allows them to navigate life more easily.

Self-Sufficiency

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Being alone for long periods of time means being extremely dependent as you can only rely on yourself. People who take pleasure in solitude are often self-sufficient individuals. They are in charge of their own emotional and mental well-being and know that they only have to answer to themselves.

Appreciation for Solitude

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Those who prefer solitude have a powerful appreciation for the value it brings to their lives and the opportunities it gives them. They see solitude as a time for self-discovery, growth, and rejuvenation, rather than something to be avoided or feared.

Selective Socializing

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While they may enjoy spending time alone, solitary individuals also recognize the importance of social interaction. However, they tend to be picky about the company they keep, preferring quality over quantity in their relationships. This also helps them to seem more mysterious to others.

Comfortable with Silence

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Solitary individuals are comfortable with silence and often find it calming. They appreciate moments of quietude and use them as opportunities to clear their minds and find inner peace. Harvard Business Review states that being silent allows us to channel our energies.

Depth in Relationships

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Despite their preference for solitude, these individuals can form deep and meaningful relationships with others. They value connection on a profound level and cherish the bonds they share with those who understand and respect their need for alone time.

Strong Sense of Identity

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People who enjoy solitude often have a strong sense of identity and are able to remain strong in what they stand for. They know who they are, what they value, and what they want out of life, which allows them to navigate the world with confidence and authenticity. 

Emotional Intelligence

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Solitary individuals tend to have high levels of emotional intelligence. They are capable of understanding their own emotions as well as those of others. Psych Central proposes that if you have high emotional intelligence you’re able to communicate with others, show empathy when needed, and overcome emotionally-charged situations.

Inner Peace

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Those who prefer solitude find inner peace in being alone. They see solitude not as a form of isolation, but as a source of strength, clarity, and serenity in an increasingly noisy world. For them, it can be a great way to keep the rest of the world at bay.

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