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We aren't exactly praised in this culture for being alone.
I think this is a large part of it. People are taught constantly and from an early age that the loner is 'bad' and giving the appearance of having no friends is a shameful thing. I some people internalize this to the lengths where they believe, perhaps subconsciously, that if they go in public by themselves, they will be mocked or judged.
Quote: We aren't exactly praised in this culture for being alone.
I think this is a large part of it. People are taught constantly and from an early age that the loner is 'bad' and giving the appearance of having no friends is a shameful thing. I some people internalize this to the lengths where they believe, perhaps subconsciously, that if they go in public by themselves, they will be mocked or judged.
Couldn't agree more! I enjoy spending time with a few friends, maybe once or twice a week. But for the most part, I enjoy my quiet time at home alone. I never feel lonely and am quite comfortable with who I am and my lifestyle. If others tend to think differently of me, that's their choice - and I could really care less what others think. It's back to my motto of: "What's right, is what's right for each person."
I think this is a large part of it. People are taught constantly and from an early age that the loner is 'bad' and giving the appearance of having no friends is a shameful thing. I some people internalize this to the lengths where they believe, perhaps subconsciously, that if they go in public by themselves, they will be mocked or judged.
Who gives a s***? If strangers out in public mock you or judge you, so what?
I have always been secure in my own skin and never cared much about conforming to the expectations of others.
From my constant observations of people, I really see the dynamic principles of "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" being applied on a consistent basis depending on the condition that they are presently in. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs | Simply Psychology
I have been single for the past 8 or 9 years and love the freedom and my life like this, but other people can't seem to accept that you really do like being alone. They keep asking you questions about if you will ever remarry or if you have a GF, etc. They get a shocked look on their face when I give them my standard pat answer of "Why would I want to screw up a perfect life ??!!"
It doesn't bother me to go to restaurants or anywhere else alone, but I do have the company of my two grown Sons a lot of the time. No, the hottest woman out there could come along and I would run like a scared bunny !
Who gives a s***? If strangers out in public mock you or judge you, so what?
I have always been secure in my own skin and never cared much about conforming to the expectations of others.
Same here, for the most part anyway. However, at a certain point of judgment/mocking, nearly everyone is going to "feel it". Take rzzz's post earlier in the thread about being the unwanted center of attention in restaurants/bars in Atlanta because he had the audacity to go to these places alone. If you're in a new city and that's the predominant reception you're getting, how are you going to feel?
Extroverts might be regarded as the fun exciting type while the introverted loner gets no applause. thats why a lot of us introverts think theres something wrong with wanting to be alone.
there is nothing wrong with it. loners get out when they want to and not when we're "supposed to"..
I have learned about myself that I appreciate my me/alone time but in the long I would like to share my life with someone. I don't know if I have an answer to this question but maybe all this technology has really isolated us. I am guilty of this but I notice at work so many of my coworkers are glued to their phones and technology. The importance of being present.
As far as fear goes, perhaps an alone person is more vulnerable to being harmed in some way?
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