Signs you are a loner

 "The good and the wise lead quiet lives." - Euripides

Dictionary.com defines a loner as "a person who is or prefers to be alone, especially one who avoids the company of others." Loners are often referred to as introverts.  

 Actually, everyone prefers to be solitary at times, for respite, relaxation, to reflect on recent events, to daydream and make plans for the future. Keeping this in mind, how can you know if you are, in fact, a true loner? There are some specific indicators which can help you decide:

 * You seldom initiate communication with others. You don't phone, text, or write or visit unless it is absolutely necessary. Even then, you do much more listening than sharing your own thoughts or feelings. You are considered to be a good listener.

 * When you need to communicate, you prefer to do so in writing.

 * You have few friends and very few intimate relationships.. Such bonds may form slowly, and if a stranger joins the group, you may quickly withdraw.

 * When possible, you choose a job where you can work alone, preferably from home.

 * You have an unlisted phone number and hesitate to tell others where you live.

 * You seldom have plans for special days, such as birthdays, New Year's Eve, or Valentine's Day.

 * You have no desire to join facebook.

 * You feel uncomfortable in crowds, usually make excuses to avoid parties, and you often prefer to eat meals alone. When attending a group affair, you may well make an excuse to leave early.

 * Having to interact with a group of people for any length of time leaves you feeling emotionally and mentally drained.

 * Your hobbies and pastimes are activities that can be done alone, like reading, writing or doing handicrafts.

 * You prefer to make plans by yourself or with one trusted friend. You will only share events of your past, present or possible future with a close family member or with a true friend of longstanding.

 * When conversing one-on-one with a trusted friend or family member, you can be as vocal as anyone else, although you may need to pause often to collect your thoughts.

There is nothing wrong with being a loner. Throughout history, introverts have contributed much to society.

Among famous introverts are:  Warren Buffet, Rosa Parks , Charles Darwin, Al Gore, J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, and Mahatma Gandhi. Loners are frequently leaders: independent, possessing strong concentration skills, reflective, responsible, creative, able to think "outside the box", studious and smart. They can analyze and ultimately integrate complex information. They take the time and have the ability to do so.

 

 The world needs loners. However, it is important to remember that: " No man is an island", as John Donne observed. While valuing your introverted personality, you need to make an effort to remain in contact with other people as well as with contemporary society, so you can offer your specialized gifts and talents where they will be most beneficial.

 

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." - Carl Jung