Becoming a Loner temporarily (from time to time).. healthy? (person, relatives, socializing)

[ragnarkar]

I have a tendency, especially when I'm busy, that I don't get involved with anyone socially (except my SO who also is extremely busy with school). No, I don't deliberately shut people out of my life but I don't proactively reach out to them even for an extended period of time until I become less "busy".

These bouts of being a loner tend to last anywhere from 3 months to a year.. before I take the initiative to reach out to others on a regular basis.

Does this sound healthy?

[cat_link]

Are you content with this pattern? Are your friends and relatives understanding during these times? Is your SO comfortable being your primary companion? If something happened with your SO would you have a support network?

If the answer to these questions is "yes" then I wouldn't worry about it. Different personalities have different socializing needs. There is no one size fits all answer. You seem to be at one extreme of the spectrum. Be aware that folks at the opposite extreme will find your pattern disturbing.

I personally need a lot of downtime and solitude is one of the best ways for me to achieve that. My need for downtime increases when my work life is especially taxing or requires me to be in a very public position. The people who I am close to understand that. Our relationships are such that we can go months without contact and then jump back in as if the conversation was never interrupted. I also am one who use the word "friend" carefully. I'm not really interested in being a part of a large group or having lots of social outings.

[Royalite]

What Cat_link said. If you're content with this and it isn't disturbing your life then it's fine, imo. I was pretty much a recluse for 2 years until I reached a point where I didn't want to be recluse anymore. lol

[D. Scott]

Sometimes people need to reflect, to find themselves, To find an answer or even lack of one. A conclusion. Their inner voices not mixing with another's on the outside. And we all go through this at least once in our lives.

Normal, Totally.