Do you think you’re a loner? Do you have a tendency to want to keep to yourself? Most people prefer to get together with friends, go on family vacations… In the opposite pattern, loners go their own way, rather than following others.

Loners live by their own rules. However, this personality trait does not mean being antisocial. It reflects independence from the presence of others.

To shed a little more light on the subject, this article will help you discover :

The characteristics of a solitary person
The advantages of being a loner
As well as tips on how to cope with your difference.

Being a loner: what sets you apart from the rest?
Unlike ordinary people who prefer to socialize, a solitary person prefers to be alone. You’re more at ease alone than when you’re surrounded by lots of people, even if they’re your close friends or family.

While most people prefer to share their joy or sorrow in the company of friends, lonely people are more likely to get through bad times alone, and to be happy without others knowing.

LONER AND INTROVERSION
Being a loner is a lot like being an introvert. It’s not that you don’t like other people, but your own thoughts and inner self are a kind of refuge. That’s how you find more energy.

Lonely people should not be confused with those who experience emotional loneliness. The major difference lies in the way you experience it. A loner gets pleasure and satisfaction from solitude. They don’t seek out human interaction, at least not in large numbers. Being a loner is a personality trait, and it involves a person’s mind, thought process and approach to life. On the other hand, a person who “feels” lonely will be sad.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE A LONELY PERSON?
To find out if you’re a lonely person, you can ask yourself if you recognize yourself in the following traits.

YOU LIKE TO DO THINGS YOURSELF
Do you enjoy a night watching a film or reading a book on your own? Do you like to travel somewhere and explore new horizons unaccompanied? Being able to enjoy and take pleasure in doing things by yourself is a sign that you’re a loner.

THE HOBBIES OF A LONER
As a solitary person, your hobbies are activities that can be done alone, such as reading, writing, origami, etc. Group activities quickly wear you out. Group activities quickly exhaust you, and sometimes even cause a certain level of stress.

YOU RARELY INITIATE COMMUNICATION WITH OTHERS
A solitary person engages in conversation only when necessary. Even then, they’re more interested in active listening than in sharing their own thoughts or feelings.

LONER AND FRIENDSHIP
You have few friends and take more time to form solid bonds of friendship. A loner’s network is generally made up of a small number of people with very strong ties.

YOU’RE LESS LIKELY TO CONFORM TO SOCIAL NORMS
You tend to take less familiar paths and do things your own way. In this sense, when you speak, your words are generally more stimulating.

YOU LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE
You prefer to sit down and reflect on your thoughts so you’re well prepared before you speak or act. You rationalize ideas and formulate plans with your inner voice. Introspection holds no secrets for you!

Do you recognize yourself in these characteristics? Beyond these facts, being a solitary person also implies praiseworthy abilities that deserve to be known.

Being a loner: discover your hidden strengths
Although loners are often perceived in a negative light, they have strengths that benefit them and those around them.

THE FIRM LIMITS OF A LONER
Loners have strong values, and they know exactly what they want and how they want it. You like to have structure and boundaries in life because it makes you feel safe and comfortable. You respect the privacy of others and expect them to do the same. Being a solitary person offsets spontaneity because you like to plan everything.

GOOD SELF-ESTEEM
If you’re a solitary person, you’ll usually spend time in quiet reflection. It’s a privileged moment of introspection that helps you clarify your strengths and weaknesses. This self-knowledge helps you achieve all your goals.

What’s more, you never seek recognition from others. You assess your self-esteem and personal progress using your own criteria, rather than those imposed by culture or society.

LOYALTY
Lonely people don’t have many friends, but those they do have are dear to them. They are considered faithful. Far from being anti-social, a loner is always there for those they care about. Each of them is put on an equal footing. This is the secret of lasting, seamless bonds that enable you to live in harmony with others.

OPEN-MINDEDNESS
As a solitary person, you’re able to make choices without the influence of others, while letting them do the same, without judgment or reproach. You’re aware that everyone is different, and you accept other people’s shortcomings.

You’re usually never short of ideas. The time you spend alone allows you to recharge your batteries and expand your thoughts.

HIGH INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY
Solitary people are rational. When you have to make a decision, you analyze the situation logically without getting carried away by emotions. You also have great concentration and an unshakeable will: nothing can stop you. Although you can sometimes get distracted by stressful moments, the most comfortable solution is to spend some time alone to boost your energy.

Better living as a loner
Difficult as it may seem, you can be a solitary person and still be a little extroverted towards others. Opening yourself up a little more to the people around you in no way hinders the integrity of your personality. It’s all about improving your well-being and your relationships with others.

LONE WOLF AND CONNECTION
Being a lone wolf isn’t just about enjoying being alone: it’s also about having your own pack. This pack will be built up with trustworthy people and genuine bonds. For this, you need to interact with others. In fact, exchanges are useful and necessary, especially in the professional world and in human relations. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to be friends with everyone.

Being authentic will enable you to surround yourself with the right people. You’ll discover who your real friends are, those who appreciate you for what you’re worth. In this way, you can get rid of toxic relationships and people who drain your energy. That’s how you’ll build a secure circle around yourself.

At all costs, avoid limiting beliefs that despise your state of mind. Accept your difference and the advantages it brings. Don’t let other people’s judgments get to you. You’re above all that. You’ll make the most of your time by focusing on yourself and exploring new horizons to enhance your abilities.

Better living with a loner
Being in a relationship or living with people of a solitary nature is no easy matter. While the relationship itself will encourage closeness and interaction, a loner is more inward-looking. But while they love their inner world, they value their partner and loved ones in their own way.

To maintain a healthy relationship with a loner, you need to follow several principles…

GIVE HIM/HER ENOUGH SPACE AND TIME
Patience is the key when it comes to bonding with a loner. He/she may seem unapproachable, but it’s his/her way of building a relationship on solid foundations. Making time for a loner means allowing him/her to blossom. This is how he/she will open up to you and accept you into his/her circle of intimacy.

AVOID FORCING A LONER TO ATTEND GATHERINGS
Loners don’t like to be surrounded by large numbers of people. That’s why they dread places where they might be forced to strike up any kind of conversation. In such a case, you need to respect each other’s limits and give your partner the freedom to say no if need be.

DON’T TRY TO BECOME A THERAPIST
Everyone is concerned about their partner’s well-being. You want him/her to find personal fulfillment. But it’s not your responsibility to try to change his/her personality. Lonely people have chosen to live this way because it makes them feel better. It’s not a problem in itself that you have to solve. It’s a choice you’ve made.

Being a loner is part of your personality. It’s not a state induced by external factors. Although it can be perceived in a negative light, loners have enhanced interpersonal and intellectual skills that should not be overlooked.

Are you a loner? How do you experience it?